Football / Oyarzabal Strikes Late as Spain Sink England in Nations League

New Delhi, Sep 27: Spain’s Nations League campaign began with familiar heroics, as Mikel Oyarzabal once again delivered the decisive strike against England at Wembley, while Luka Modric’s brilliance guided Croatia past Czechia in Prague.

Oyarzabal, the man who sealed Spain’s EURO 2024 triumph, struck another winner against England to hand the world champions a 3-2 success.

Lamine Yamal had opened the scoring inside two minutes, but Anthony Gordon equalized on the counter and Harry Kane’s header, deflecting off Marc Cucurella, put the hosts ahead at half-time.

Also read: 2027 World Cup Prep Begins as India to Face West Indies in First ODI

Kane then missed a penalty, shifting momentum. Substitute Alex Baena restored parity before setting up Oyarzabal 16 minutes from time, reports UEFA.

Croatia’s clash with Czechia exploded after a cagey first half. Luka Sucic went close on the volley before Modric powered home the opener seconds into the second half.

Adam Hlozek quickly found Adam Karabec, who coolly leveled at 1-1. Ultimately, Ivan Perisic’s lofted cross was met by Marco Pasalic’s header to secure a 2-1 win for the visitors.

Elsewhere, Switzerland impressed in their League B debut, with Remo Freuler and Zeki Amdouni scoring before half-time in a 3-0 win over North Macedonia.

Finland’s Joel Pohjanpalo set the early pace in the top scorer race, netting the first hat-trick of the 2026/27 edition in a commanding 7-0 victory over San Marino in Group C1. Luxembourg, winless in League C last season, began with a notable 2-1 success away to Bulgaria in Group C4.

(IANS)