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Spain coach Luis de la Fuente believes his side "deserve credit" after they sealed their fifth major trophy with victory in the Nations League on Sunday.

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal converted the winning penalty after a goalless 120 minutes in Rotterdam.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon saved efforts from Croatia's Lovro Majer and Bruno Petkovic and Real Madrid man Carvajal held his nerve to hand Spain a 5-4 shoot-out victory.

Spain have now become the second nation after France to have won the World Cup, European Championship and the Nations League.

And coach De la Fuente believes his side, who defeated the Netherlands 4-2 after extra time in their semi-final on Wednesday, deserve the plaudits.

 "We have to bear in mind the 16 best teams in Europe were involved and the best four were in the semi-finals. Getting to the final is a big achievement. We deserve credit. We were up against a top team who are experienced and finished third at the World Cup, so it's a big deal," said De la Fuente, who took over the job in December 2022.

Spain defender Carvajal, who struck the winning penalty said: "It wasn't me being chosen [to take a penalty] – I put my hand up.

"I've only ever taken one in my career, in the Spanish Super Cup, but I wanted to take this one. When the game ended, I went to the manager.

"They were doing a five-player shortlist and I told them that if any of the players were hesitant or weren't confident enough, I would like to take one and, if not, I would take the sixth. In the end, the game gave me the opportunity I wanted."

Spain midfielder Rodri added: "We showed such mental strength as a team. We were really good in the extra time. Above all in the shoot-out. When you you get here this is about winning.

"We were so competitive. Against a team which eliminated Brazil from the World Cup, which seems to always get to finals. A great team and we managed to compete and then beat them."

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic was proud of his side as they failed to secure their first major trophy.

 "First, I congratulate Spain and our players on a great game," said Dalic. "Thank you to the fans, as we had great support. We lost – too bad – but we have to be proud. We made it to the final but we didn't win. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

"The stakes were high, the game was tough and the opponent was good. We ran again for 120 minutes. We were quality, we competed with them. I have nothing to regret."