UEFA Nations League Spain: Yamal exploits Kane's penalty miss

In the opening match of the UEFA Nations League, Spain punished Harry Kane with a missed penalty and let the Wembley side come back 3-2. Lamine Yamal gave the ball the decisive curl for the opening goal, while the Spaniards, after a half‑time deficit, turned the game around.

Yamal's Opening Goal and Spain's Come‑Back

In the 2nd minute, centre‑back Marc Guéhi lost the ball in the last line, allowing Barcelona striker Lamine Yamal to win it and shoot past goalkeeper James Trafford. The goal put Spain in the lead for the first time (2-0). The match was also broadcast live via the official UEFA app.

The hosts remained lackluster for much of the first half. In the 38th minute, Nico Williams lost the ball near the opponent's six‑yard box, after which England‑based Anthony Gordon seized the lightning‑quick counter‑attack to equalise. The duel pitted Ballon d’Or contender Lamine Yamal against Harry Kane, with both superstars scoring a goal each.

Just two minutes later, Bayern star Harry Kane turned the match on its head, heading the ball and, with the help of Marc Cucurella's thigh, finding the net. Kane, the Three Lions' star, headed and put the side ahead before the second half.

Spain aims to seal a new era in the Wembley duel against England

Shortly after the restart, England had the chance to double the lead from the spot after a foul on Jude Bellingham, but Kane slipped and struck the ball against the crossbar. Spain then capitalised on another English defensive error, with Alex Baena equalising to make it 2-2.

In the 74th minute, Mikel Oyarzabal sealed the result after a world‑class combination, sending the ball over James Trafford into the net. The final score was thus set.

England's Slow Start and Croatia's Parallel Match

England's national coach Thomas Tuchel had to watch his side start the match in a dismal fashion. Centre‑back Marc Guéhi lost the ball early, and Ferran Torres missed twice the chance to extend the lead.

Ballon d’Or 2026 sees Lamine Yamal defy doubts about his age

In the group's parallel match, Croatia, led by captain Luka Modrić, overcame the Czechs. The 41‑year‑old Modrić struck shortly after the restart with a slightly deflected shot to make it 1-0, and Croatia eventually won 2-1.