MUNICH (Germany): Ruben Neves scored the decisive spot kick after Alvaro Morata missed as Portugal beat Spain 5-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw in Munich on Sunday to claim their second Nations League title.
Portugal twice went behind in regulation time but twice fought back to level the scores.
“Our fighting spirit and togetherness were decisive today,” Bruno Fernandes, who converted his penalty, told RTL.
“When we stay together like this, we’re very difficult to beat.”
After 21 minutes, Martin Zubimendi took advantage of some sleepy Portugal defence to put Spain in front.
The brilliant Nuno Mendes levelled things up five minutes later.
Mikel Oyarzabal, Spain’s goalscorer in the Euro 2024 final and the 2023 Nations League final, put La Roja back in front just before the break.
Cristiano Ronaldo, quiet as he had been before scoring the winner against Germany in the semis, equalised with 61 minutes gone, adjusting quickly after a Mendes cross was deflected into the air, muscling past Marc Cucurella and volleying the dropping ball home.
Ronaldo was subbed off before full-time with cramp. Even though Portugal had the better of extra time, the match went to penalties.
Both sides converted their first three spot kicks. Mendes buried Portugal’s fourth, before Morata stepped up and shot straight at Diogo Costa.
Neves nervelessly converted in front of the red and green of the Portugal fans.
On the sidelines, Ronaldo could not watch the final penalty, burying his face in a teammate’s back. Once Neves converted, the Portugal veteran fell to his knees and was embraced by players and staff.
The victory was just Portugal’s second competitive win over Iberian rival Spain in their long history.
Portugal’s only other win over Spain in a competitive fixture was a 1-0 victory which booted the Spaniards out of Euro 2004, with a 19-year-old Ronaldo on the left wing.
Portugal became the first two-time winner of the Nations League, launched in 2018. It was Portugal’s third major title, along with Euro 2016.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said the match was “equal”.
“We did a lot well, but in football sometimes things happen and the opponent is able to beat you,” he said. –AFP
