Spain eliminates Netherlands in penalty shootout

Spain eliminated the Netherlands on penalties in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Nations League at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia on Monday morning (IST).

The Spaniards won 5-4 on penalties after two Dutch penalty-takers, Noa Lang and Donyell Malen, failed to perform their duties correctly, according to UEFA records.

Meanwhile, after 120 minutes, the two countries were locked in a 3-3 draw, with Spain taking the lead through Mikel Oyarzabal (2) and Lamine Yamal, but the Netherlands equalising through Memphis Depay, Ian Maatsen and Xavi Simons.

Victory on penalties saw Spain through to the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League despite drawing 5-5 on aggregate with the Netherlands after a 2-2 draw in the first leg.

Statistically, Spain were slightly ahead of the Netherlands thanks to 51 per cent possession and 10 shots on target for each team.

Spain started the game on the front foot, taking the lead in the sixth minute through Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty to make it 1-0.

At the start of the second half, the Netherlands equalised through Memphis Depay’s penalty, which was saved by Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon, making the score 1-1 in the 54th minute.

Spain regained the lead through Oyarzabal’s second goal in the 67th minute when he pounced on the rebound of his own shot to make it 2-1.

The Netherlands equalised in the 79th minute through Ian Maatsen, who capitalised on a pass from Xavi Simons to make the score 2-2. The draw lasted until the end of normal time, forcing the match into extra time.

In extra time, Spain regained the lead thanks to a goal from Lamine Yamal, who converted a pass from Dean Huijsen to make it 3-2 in the 103rd minute.

The Netherlands refused to give up and equalised through a Xavi Simon penalty which Simon could not stop to make it 3-3 again in the 109th minute.

The score stayed that way until the end of extra time, when Spain emerged victorious on penalties, beating the Netherlands 5-4.