{
  "id": 19725183,
  "title": "Spain beat Czech Republic to retain perfect Nations League record",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/spain-beat-czech-republic-to-retain-perfect-nations-league-record-19725183",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-12T22:48:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/11/1576486/spain-beat-czech-republic-retain-perfect-nations-league-record"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Prague witnessed a thrilling match as Spain secured a 2-0 victory over ten-men Czech Republic in the Nations League. The game, held on Thursday, saw Alex Baena score from the penalty spot and Marc Pubill netting a second goal seconds from time. This win extends Spain's unbeaten run to 44 competitive games, including five consecutive wins in the Nations League this season. Spain, who have already secured a quarter-final berth, will face England in their final Group A3 game on Sunday.\n\nThe game started slowly for Spain, but they gradually increased their pressure as the first half progressed. Their efforts bore fruit when VAR confirmed that Czech midfielder Lukas Ambros had handled the ball inside the box, leading to Baena's well-struck penalty. Just minutes later, Pubill sealed the win with a clinical low shot deep into stoppage time, after intercepting Tomas Soucek.\n\nCzech Republic captain Ladislav Krejci was shown a red card in the 69th minute after a tackle on second-half substitute Roberto Fernandez. The Czechs showed determination after the break, but Spain's defense held firm. Baena had two chances cleared off the line, and Fernandez's efforts were thwarted by keeper Matej Kovar. Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, praised his team's efforts despite the challenging game against a spirited Czech side. De la Fuente noted that Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo, Rodri, and Eric Garcia were absent due to injuries, while Mikel Oyarzabal was sidelined with flu. He also mentioned that the injured players would return ahead of the England game.",
  "summary": "PRAGUE: Alex Baena scored from the spot and Marc Pubill added another seconds from time as Spain beat ten-men Czech Republic 2-0 in the Nations League in Prague on Thursday.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
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        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/england-vs-croatia-uefa-nations-league-preview-team-news-predictions",
        "published": "2026-11-12T12:12:50.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "TechRadar",
        "title": "How to watch England vs Croatia: FREE live streams, TV channels & kick-off time for Nations League 2026/27 fixture",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/how-to-watch-england-vs-croatia-free-live-streams-tv-channels-kick",
        "published": "2026-11-12T16:50:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Spain beat Czech Republic to retain perfect Nations League record",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/spain-beat-czech-republic-to-retain-perfect-nations-league-record",
        "published": "2026-11-12T22:19:40.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Japan Today",
        "title": "Kane extends England goals record, Spain stays perfect and Italy beats France in the Nations League",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/kane-extends-england-goals-record-spain-stays-perfect-and-italy-beats",
        "published": "2026-11-12T22:43:32.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}