Spain Beat Netherlands on Penalties, Advance to Nations League Semi-Finals

• Spain edge Netherlands on penalties after 3-3 thriller

• Pedri seals win as Unai Simon shines in shootout

• Yamal scores in extra time, then misses in shootout

Spain booked their place in the Nations League semi-finals after a dramatic 3-3 draw and penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands at the Mestalla Stadium in Valencia.

Both Noa Lang and Lamine Yamal missed in the shootout, but Unai Simón’s save from Donyell Malen handed Pedri the chance to seal the win.

The Barcelona midfielder calmly chipped his effort into the corner, sparking wild celebrations from the home crowd.

Spain led twice in regular time through Mikel Oyarzabal, but Memphis Depay’s penalty and a debut goal from Ian Maatsen sent the tie to extra time.

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Yamal then restored Spain’s lead with a stunning solo effort, only for Xavi Simons to level again from the spot after being fouled by Simón.

The shootout saw Lang hit the bar and Yamal denied by Bart Verbruggen, but Simón’s save and Pedri’s decisive kick secured victory for Spain, extending their unbeaten run to 18 matches.

The 2023 Nations League champions will now face France in the semi-finals.

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