Yamal dazzles as Spain dominate Croatia, England edge Czech Republic
Lamine Yamal struck twice as Spain extended their unbeaten run to 40 games with a 4‑1 victory over Croatia at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium in Seville on 29 September, while England secured a 2‑0 win against a ten‑man Czech Republic in Prague on the same day.
Spain's early dominance
The match marked Spain's first home game since lifting the World Cup in July, with captain Rodri parading the trophy around the pitch before kickoff. Yamal opened the scoring in the second minute, echoing his strike against England earlier in the week.
Alex Baena’s ball was cleverly dummied by Fermin López, allowing Yamal to meet it first and curl a low shot inside the far post. Croatia responded when Dion Beljo headed home a 28th‑minute equaliser.
Spain retook the lead within three minutes; Yamal delivered a cross from the right wing and Marc Pubill powered a header past goalkeeper Dominik Livaković. Yamal added his second and Spain’s third in the 63rd minute, collecting Pedri’s pass before drilling a tight‑angle finish. Substitute Nico Williams sealed the win with a goal in the 89th minute.
"He's a special player," Williams told Teledeporte about Yamal.
Yamal breaks historic records as Spain dominate in Seville
England overcome a numerical disadvantage
England struggled to break the Czech defence in the opening half, even with eleven men, until a red card for Pavel Šulc in the 23rd minute left the hosts with ten players.
Thomas Tuchel said on ITV, "Strange to get an early red card, not the best for the team and spectators, but we kept going, got a win and that's what counts."
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring two minutes after the break, guiding a header into the bottom corner after a run he described as "a run time and time again". Trent Alexander‑Arnold, making his first England start in almost two years, floated the ball into the box for Gordon.
Spain sets new record after beating Croatia – Yamal shines
England’s second goal came in the 69th minute when Morgan Rogers struck the post and Elliot Anderson’s follow‑up was blocked by defender Robin Hranac. Lewis Hall then crossed for Ladislav Krejci, whose attempt hit the upright before the ball was cleared.
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The win keeps Spain on a perfect start to Nations League Group A3, while England’s victory maintains their unbeaten record in the competition.