Spain becomes UEFA Nations League champions

Spain became the third different winner in three editions of the UEFA Nations League, squeezing past Croatia on penalties after a goalless draw in the final in Rotterdam.

The early stages were an exercise for Spain in tempering the exuberance of the Croatia players and their horde of followers inside the stadium.

They did just that and nearly made the breakthrough twice in the opening 15 minutes, first when Dominik Livaković spilled Fabián Ruiz's cross-cum-shot against the post and then when Gavi dragged an attempt just wide from the edge of the area.

Dani Carvajal converted the decisive spotkick to hand Spain a first title in more than a decade as they edged Croatia 5-4 in a penalty shootout to win the Nations League.

The 31-year-old, who has won five Champions League titles with Real Madrid, calmly chipped home Spain's sixth kick of the shootout as they claimed their first silverware since the 2012 European Championship.

The final at the Feyenoord Stadium ended goalless after extra time, and defeat on penalties was a further heartbreak for an expectant Croatia, who were runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and third in Qatar last year, but are yet to win a title.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon first saved from Lovro Majer in the shootout, giving Aymeric Laporte a chance to win the contest, but the defender blasted his effort against the crossbar to leave it 4-4 after five kicks each.