Berlin, 19 June 2023 (dpa/MIA) — Spain won a first major football title in 11 years and a fifth overall when they beat Luka Modric's Croatia 5-4 on penalties to clinch a first Nations League trophy.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon saved spot kicks from Lovro Majer and Bruno Petkovic before Dani Carvajal wrapped up matters in the shoot-out after 120 minutes without goals in Rotterdam.

Carvajal gave Spain the title on their second attempt after Aymeric Laporte failed to clinch it by firing his spot kick against the crossbar.

Spain emulated France with titles at the three major events, adding Nations League glory - after losing the 2021 final to Les Bleus - to the World Cup title from 2010 and European trophies in 1964, 2008 and 2012.

It was a first title for a new generation of players and their new coach Luis de la Fuente who took over from Luis Enrique after last year's World Cup.

Laporte and team-mate Rodri won their fourth title in as many weeks after getting a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble with Manchester City.

"Thank God I have had this opportunity. We have been pushing ourselves hard and the players have made a huge effort. We are happy to have achieved it in this way," Spanish sports paper quoted de la Fuente as saying.

"The players have been an example of professionalism. We hope for more success in the future."

Croatia had another near miss after being 2018 World Cup finalists and third in 1998 and 2022, as their wait for a big trophy continues.

"Both teams played really well but it's a bitter taste in our mouths. We were so close to the trophy and didn't win it at the end," Croatia defender Josip Juranovic said.

"We have to turn a new page now. Euro 2024 is next year and we still have qualifying matches. We need to return even stronger."

The 37-year-old veteran Modric was playing his 166th cap amid speculation that the final could have been his last game.

Spain youngster Gavi aimed just wide left with goalkeeper Dominik Ivakovic stranded early on, and Alvaro Morata headed over the bar shortly before half-time for La Rioja.

Croatia also threatened after a slow start, with Andreij Kramaric shooting wide, Ivan Perisic's header saved by goalkeeper Simon and Marcelo Brozovic's dangerous low ball across the goalmouth not finding a team-mate.

Marco Asensio narrowly missed the target twice after the restart, and Perisic cleared a goal-bound shot from the unmarked Ansu Fati just in front of the goalline before Asensio aimed wide again from a tight angle in the dying minutes of regulation.

There were also no goals in extra time but Spain then prevailed in the shoot-out.

Reigning European champions Italy finished third as in 2021 with a 3-2 win over hosts Netherlands earlier in the day.

Federico Dimarco and Davide Frattesi put the Azzurri 2-0 up after 20 minutes. Steven Bergwijn pulled one back before Federico Chiesa got Italy's third and the Dutch only managed a late second from Georginio Wijnaldum.