All eyes were on Portugal vs Spain as both the teams had to go toe-to-toe with each other for the Standing Nations League. However, Spain became the 4th team to make it to the 2022 Nations League Finals after beating Portugal 1-0 in Braga.
Although the match had few chances but it was a typical demonstration of Spanish possession and patience.
The Spanish team had a clever play as a deep cross, a headed pass across goal and a quick finish from their veteran forward. They did everything to make 1-0 and now the team is in the UEFA Nations League’s semi-finals.
Alvaro Morata was the game’s hero in the 88th minute. Nico Williams has been picked out in the penalty area. He nodded a perfect ball across 6-yard.
Spain Team Went Under Mounting Pressure
The Spanish team started the game quite well but were soon under mounting pressure from Fernando Santos. Diogo Jota and Bruno Fernandes had almost brought chances for the opening goal but a combination from Unai Simon and the side netting kept them at bay.
The second half of the game continued in the same way as the Portuguese team looked to confirm their place at the top for the Nation’s League.
However, just when everybody was thinking as though Portugal were going to march into the semi-finals with a draw, the Spanish team came forward to produce a clever play and gave them a goal that takes them into the final four.
Alvaro Morata will surely be restless as everyone seems to be criticising him.
Portugal vs Spain Match Minutes Highlights
Speaking about the match, at 46 minutes, Spain was underway but Bernardo Silva seemed to have booked for what appears to be a hand to his marker’s face.
A minute later Silva plays Ronaldo in but the shot is deflected by the Spanish keeper. A minute after Portuguese started pressing and now Silva is the protagonist.
The Spanish were able to clear but their opponents retained the ball. At 51 minute, a foul was announced and it took place in the middle of the field. This gave the Spanish team a moment to recuperate.
At 58 minute, Portugal started playing to the right and had a deep throw in the Spanish’ territory. A minute later, The Spanish team made 3 changes i.e, Pedri, Gavi and Yeremy Pino entered for Koke, Soler and Sarabia.
At 72 minute, both teams made a change with Ferran Torres. Nico Williams replaced Ferran Torres and Jao Mario replaced Bernardo Silva. At 77, The Portugal team again made 2 more changes, às Diogo Jota and William Carvalho replaced by Rafael Leao and Vitinha respectively.
Last Ten Minutes
At 80, The Spanish team started playing in their corner short before attempting a cross, but in the end the ball headed out of play. Portugal had now chance with the goal kick.
Just a minute after, and now only the 10 minutes left in the match, the Spanish team needed to score so the Portugal team. If Spain didn’t score they would be out.
The Portuguese however can afford to take a draw but the home crowds seemed to be wanting more.
At 82, Sain was able to press but Portugal once again maintained their shape. A minute passed and Nico Williams cut in off the right side to make a goal from distance but his shot was of no concern to Costa in the Portuguese goal.
Portugal aimlessly booted the ball and it went into their opponents defense. The team attempted to release Leao down to the left side but the ball was too long. At 86 minute, it appeared that Portugal were content and will see a draw which might take them into the semi-finals.
At 87, it seems Spain will be facing elimination unless they can pull something out at the last moment.
At 88, a deep cross to the left side of the box found Nico Williams, who’s headed pass back across the goal found Alvaro Morata who proceeded to blast the ball into the net. And it happened 1-0 Spain!
At 90th minute, everyone started assuming the score should stay the same, Spain will be the one going to the UEFA Nations League semi finals.
Five Minute Time Stoppage
A minute passed and the 5 minute time stoppage was announced. At 90+2, Carvajal headed the ball back without even looking, which almost gave Ronaldo the gift he desired. At 9+3, Spain took a break but instantly dispossessed while Portugal was now pressing for a goal.
The Portuguese team seemed desperate but their cross was too deep and Spain’s keeper claimed it at 90+4. Just 30 seconds more and they will be in a spot for the semi finals. At 90+5 minutes, The referee brought an end to it.
Spain clinched a spot in the semi-finals of UEFA Nations League 2022 with a 1-0 win over Portugal.
ALSO READ: Sachin Pilot : The Youngest Leader of India
