Spain edges Netherlands 5-4 in penalty shootout to reach Nations League semis

Spain extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches in dramatic fashion, defeating the Netherlands 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 5-5 aggregate stalemate. The match, played at the Mestalla, saw both teams create numerous scoring opportunities, with the Dutch ultimately falling just short.

The Netherlands got off to a nightmare start, conceding a penalty in the sixth minute when Jan Paul van Hecke wrestled Mikel Oyarzabal to the ground. Oyarzabal stepped up to take the penalty, firing a firm shot into the bottom-right corner to give Spain the lead. The Spanish forward thought he had doubled the lead soon after, but was flagged offside.

The Dutch settled down and stayed in the game until halftime, and after Óscar Mingueza and Justin Kluivert spurned chances at either end early in the second half, they drew level. Robin Le Normand brought down Memphis Depay inside the box, and the Dutch forward stepped up to blast the ball into the top-left corner, marking his 100th senior cap in style.

The match continued to ebb and flow, with both teams creating chances. Spain eventually took the lead again through Oyarzabal, but the Netherlands equalized once more through lan Maatsen. The match went to extra time, where Spain took the lead for a third time through Lamine Yamal. However, the Dutch equalized again from the penalty spot, sending the match to a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, both teams converted their first five penalties, with Noa Lang hitting the woodwork and Yamal being blocked down the middle. However, when Donyell Malen missed the first sudden-death penalty for the Netherlands, Pedri stepped up to send Spain through with a rocket into the top-right corner.

Spain’s victory sets up a semi-final showdown with France as they continue their bid to win the Nations League title. The Spanish team will be looking to extend their unbeaten run and make it to the final, while the French will be seeking to halt their progress.