Croatia defeated the Netherlands 4-2 in extra time in their Nations League semi-final in Rotterdam on Wednesday, advancing to the final on Sunday.
Croatia, who continued their momentum from last year’s World Cup in Qatar, when they finished third, will play either Italy or Spain, who face off in the second semi-final in Enschede on Thursday.
Eight minutes into extra time, substitute Bruno Petkovic curled in a beautiful shot from the outside of the penalty box to set them on their way and Luka Modric’s late penalty, their second of the match, ensured Croatia’s victory.
Even though they were generally outplayed in front of their own supporters at the Feyenoord Stadium, the Dutch, who were hosting the four-nation tournament, forced extra time with a last-second equalise to ensure it finished 2-2 after 90 minutes.
With the last-second penalty kick, Modric sealed another excellent individual performance and sealed the victory.
The Netherlands will face off against the Thursday losers in the third-place playoff game in Enschede on Sunday. The final is in Rotterdam later that day.