2022/23 UEFA Nations League season review

Spain secured their maiden Nations League trophy thanks to a nail-biting penalty shoot-out success against Croatia after the final in Rotterdam had ended in a goalless draw.

Goalkeeper Unai Simón was La Roja's hero, saving spot kicks from Lovro Majer then, after Aymeric Laporte has struck the bar with a potential match-winning attempt, Bruno Petković, paving the way for Dani Carvajal to secure the trophy for Luis de la Fuente's side.

Which sides reached the final tournament?

Croatia, Italy, Spain and hosts the Netherlands featured at the final tournament, which ran from 14 to 18 June. Croatia overcame the host nation 4-2 after extra time in Rotterdam in a scintillating opening last-four tie before Spain saw off Italy 2-1 in Eschede in the second semi-final. Italy then downed the Oranje 3-2 in the match for third place.

Awards

UEFA Top Scorer trophy presented by Alipay: Erling Haaland and Aleksandar Mitrović (six goals, league phase to final)
Player of the Tournament: Rodri, Spain

Five top 2022/23 UEFA Nations League facts

• Spain played in the Nations League final for the second successive edition, becoming the first nation to play in the decider on more than one occasion. They beat Italy 2-1 in the semi-finals on both occasions.

• La Roja became the second team, after France, to win the EURO, World Cup and Nations League.

• Spain have been successful in five of their last seven finals at current major international tournaments (EURO, Nations League and World Cup).

• At the last two World Cup final tournaments, UEFA EURO 2020 and now here, Croatia played extra time on eight occasions; they won six – four on penalties – but lost the other two, both to Spain.

• Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma became the first player to make 20 appearances in the Nations League.