In Split, Spain once again proved that an unbeaten run is not merely a statistic, but a reflection of the team's deep-rooted resilience, capable of turning the course of a match even after conceding a goal.
Croatia took the lead in the 17th minute through Ivan Perišić, but the Spaniards did not flinch. Instead of panic — a cool-headed restructuring: Luis de la Fuente brought on Mikel Merino, who struck twice, and Perišić's sending-off in the 79th minute finally broke the hosts' resistance.
This victory is no accident. Over 2,5 years without defeat, Spain has weathered a generational change, injuries to leaders and the pressure of expectation after triumph at the 2022 World Cup. Psychological resilience matters more here than tactics: the team knows how to maintain control even in moments when the opponent seems closer to success.
Compare it to an ordinary family where, after a setback at work, everyone gathers for dinner and discusses how to fix the situation rather than blaming one another. That is exactly how Spain operate — collectively, without unnecessary emotion, turning crisis into advantage.
Merino, who came on as a substitute, became the symbol of this philosophy: not a star, but a reliable performer ready to take responsibility at the key moment. His goals are not just a result, but confirmation that the depth of the squad allows Spain to remain at the top even without their key players.
La Roja currently lead the group with maximum points and have already secured a place in the Nations League quarter-finals. But the main thing is that a run of 43 matches without defeat raises the question of the future: can this team maintain the balance between dominance and freshness ahead of the next major tournaments.
