Internationals – penalty shootout heartache for Perisic

Ivan Perisic made a goal-line block during the second half and later scored in the penalty shootout, but it wasn’t enough to help Croatia lift their first major international trophy as Spain won Sunday night’s UEFA Nations League final on spot-kicks in Rotterdam.

Once again starting for his nation in the showpiece fixture, Ivan put in a full shift, including a crucial block to deny Spain’s Ansu Fati in the second half.

But after the 90 minutes and subsequent period of extra time ended 0-0, it was Spain who claimed the silverware with a 5-4 victory.

Ivan held his nerve to score a crucial penalty in the shootout – with Spain leading 4-3 after four kicks each, he found the bottom corner to keep his side in the game, with Aymeric Laporte’s subsequent effort for Spain hitting the crossbar as proceedings were levelled up again.

Unfortunately for Ivan, his team-mate Bruno Petkovic’s subsequent effort was saved, leaving Dani Carvajal to calmly chip home the winner.

Having reached the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and finished third last year in Qatar, it was another case of so near yet so far for Croatia.

Elsewhere on Sunday, young defender Will Andiyapan started and played 90 minutes for Wales Under-19s in their 2-2 friendly draw with Sweden in Cardiff.