UEFA Nations League 2023.

In League A Group 1, shared with Austria, Denmark, and France, Croatia opened with an unexpected defeat to Austria (0:3) at Osijek’s Gradski vrt. Even the biggest optimists could hardly have predicted what would follow.

Next came a draw with France in Split, where the Tricolores took the lead through Rabiot (52’), but Croatia earned a valuable point thanks to Andrej Kramarić, who converted a penalty in the 83rd minute.

What followed was a whirlwind finish from the Vatreni, who won four consecutive matches to close out the group stage. The June triple-header ended with narrow 1:0 away victories against Denmark and France — Mario Pašalić sinking the Danes in Copenhagen, and captain Luka Modrić doing the same to France at the Stade de France.

The impressive run continued in September. First, Croatia defeated Denmark 2:1 at Maksimir through brilliant goals by Borna Sosa (49’) and Lovro Majer (79’); Eriksen’s strike provided only false hope for the visitors. In the decisive match for a historic first-place finish and a spot at the Final Four, Croatia beat Austria 3:1 in Vienna, thanks to goals from Modrić (6’), Livaja (69’), and Lovren (72’).

At the Nations League Finals, Croatia faced hosts the Netherlands in the semi-final and reached the final through a superb second-half and extra-time performance. Croatia trailed at the break after Malen’s goal (34’), but turned the match around with goals from Kramarić (55’, pen.) and Pašalić (73’). Just when it seemed the job was done, the Dutch equalised in the final seconds through Lang. Extra time, however, brought a new Croatian surge and victory, with goals by Petković (98’) and Modrić (117’, pen.).

The final against Spain delivered another thriller, another extra-time drama, and ultimately a penalty shootout. This time, Croatia had no luck in the lottery from the spot. Nikola Vlašić, Marcelo Brozović, and Luka Modrić scored in the first three rounds, but Simon saved Lovro Majer’s shot in the fourth. Ivan Perišić converted in the fifth to keep Croatia alive. Joselu, Rodri, Mikel Merino, and Marco Asensio were all accurate for Spain, while Aymeric Laporte struck the bar in their fifth attempt. In the sixth round, Simon saved Bruno Petković’s penalty, and Dani Carvajal converted Spain’s second match point to secure the trophy.

Croatia nevertheless left Rotterdam with heads held high — with a historic silver medal around their necks.