It wasn't to be for the Netherlands and Frenkie De Jong as they lost their UEFA Nations League semi-final 2-4 to Croatia. Barça's midfielder started and played the full 120 minutes of the game, after extra time was needed to decide the winner. De Jong wore the number 21 shirt and formed a central midfield pairing with Geertruida.

Ronald Koeman's side took the lead after 33 minutes in the first half, Malen firing in a shot after a good team move. Croatia scored a penalty in the second half to tie the game before completing the comeback to go 1-2 up via a goal from Pasalic. However, the Netherlands scored an equaliser with 96 minutes on the clock to force extra time.

Those extra 30 minutes proved decisive, and despite De Jong's best efforts, Croacia scored through Petkovic and a late Modric penalty to run out 2-4 winners and go through to the final.

Gavi, Jordi Alba and Ansu Fati to come

The second semi-final is on June 15, also at 8.45pm CEST from the De Grolsch Veste stadium in Enschede. The Spanish national team will hope to emulate last season by beating Italy to go through to play Croatia in the final. Three Barça players made the Spanish squad and will be hoping to feature, namely Ansu, Gavi and Jordi Alba.

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