Nations League: Spain thrash Croatia 6-0; Belgium pump in three past Iceland

Spain completed a 6-0 decimation of World Cup runners-up Croatia at the Estadio Manuel Martinez Valero in Elche, handing the visiting team their worst ever defeat. This huge victory helped Spain move six points clear at the top of their UEFA Nation’s League group.

Riding high on confidence after defeating England in their last match at The Wembley, Saul Niguez found the back of the net in the 24^th minute with a header.

Marcos Asensio then scored the second of the night from 20 yards before his shot deflected off Croatian keeper and landed inside the net. Rodrigo Moreno, who had scored the winning goal for Luis Enrique’s side at the Wembley scored the fourth with a neat finish before captain Sergio Ramos’ thumping header made it 5-0 in Spain’s favour. Real Madrid ace Isco then scored the sixth, sealing a dominant win for La Roja.

This was Croatia’s heaviest defeat since their 5-1 loss to England nine years ago.

Belgium put in three past Iceland

Striker Romelu Lukaku netted a brace and Eden Hazard scored a penalty as Belgium on Tuesday eased past Iceland 3-0 in their Group 2 clash in Reykjavik. Hazard netted the first goal in the 28^th minute after Lukaku was taken down by Iceland defender Sverrir Ingi Ingason. The Chelsea playmaker then calmly slotted in after sending goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson the other way.

Lukaku soon doubled the lead for Belgium after striking one in from close-range. With nine minutes left from full-time, the Manchester United forward scored his second and his team’s third goal.