Nations League: Gvardiol Secures Croatia’s Quarter-Final Spot; San Marino Promoted

Josko Gvardiol’s goal secured a 1-1 draw for Croatia against Portugal on Monday, earning them a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals. Portugal had already guaranteed top position in Group A1. The draw allowed Croatia to finish just one point ahead of Scotland, who achieved a 2-1 victory over Poland in Warsaw.

In Group A4, Spain, already qualified, defeated last-placed Switzerland 3-2 in Tenerife in a match dominated by penalty kicks. Denmark secured second place with a 0-0 draw in Serbia.

During the match in Split, Portugal took the lead in the 33rd minute when Joao Felix completed a swift counterattack. Rafael Leao then missed a clear chance. Meanwhile, with Scotland leading in Warsaw after an early goal by John McGinn, Croatia’s hopes were fading.

Gvardiol had a header disallowed for offside at 62 minutes but scored three minutes later with a close-range shot past Jose Sa. Gvardiol has scored three goals in his last six Premier League games for Manchester City. He noted the team’s improved performance in the second half, citing better energy and control.

Simultaneously in Warsaw, Kamil Piatkowski’s shot equalized for Poland. In Split, Nuno Mendes almost scored for Portugal, but Dominik Livakovic made the save. Andy Robertson’s header in added time gave Scotland their second win in four days, but Croatia held on for the necessary draw.

Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalic praised his team’s hard work and resilience, noting that despite struggles with results, their performance remained solid. Scotland will now enter a play-off to maintain their League A status, while Poland faces relegation.

Scotland’s coach Steve Clarke expressed satisfaction with his team’s progress, highlighting their resilience and belief after starting with three defeats.

In Tenerife, Alvaro Morata earned a penalty which Pedri missed, but Yeremi Pino scored on the rebound. Joel Monteiro equalized spectacularly for Switzerland, but Bryan Gil regained the lead for Spain. Andi Zeqiri equalized again with a penalty before Bryan Zaragoza scored Spain’s winning penalty in extra time, both Bryans scoring their first international goals.

In Leskovac, Serbia needed a win to overtake Denmark but settled for a 0-0 draw, with goalkeepers Dorde Petrovic and Kasper Schmeichel delivering impressive performances.

In League C, Northern Ireland drew 2-2 with Luxembourg but topped Group 3 as Bulgaria also drew 1-1 with Belarus. In Group 2, Romania beat Cyprus 4-1 to stay ahead of Kosovo, who won 1-0 against Lithuania despite playing with 10 men.

In League D, San Marino came from behind to beat Liechtenstein 3-1 in Vaduz, overtaking Gibraltar to secure first place in Group 1.