Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, was emotional as he guided his team to their second Nations League championship by defeating reigning champions 2-2 Spain in a 5-3 penalty shootout after an exciting 2-2 tie that extended into extra time during Sunday’s final match.
Ronaldo Goal & Morata Miss Seal Shootout Win
After Ronaldo’s 138th goal for his country forced a shootout, Spain lost badly due to Alvaro Morata’s error. Ruben Neves’ winning penalty kick set off frenzied celebrations, and the experienced captain was overcome with emotion.
“Achieving victory for Portugal is always a unique experience,” Ronaldo expressed to Sport TV. “I’ve accumulated numerous titles with various clubs, yet nothing compares to triumphing for Portugal.”
“It’s tears. It’s duty done and a lot of joy.”
Spain’s Unbeaten Run Ends in Nations League Final
Spain’s thrilling 5-4 win against France in the semi-final on Thursday secured Luis de la Fuente’s team an unbeaten streak that has lasted since March 2023, heading into the final match in Munich on Sunday.
Spain Lead Twice Before Ronaldo Equalizer
They seemed well on their way to securing another trophy, following last year’s victory in the European Championship, when Martin Zubimendi scored his second international goal in the 21st minute.
The advantage for the holders was short-lived, though, as Portugal’s dynamic full-back Nuno Mendes found the net for the equalizer thanks to some excellent play from Ronaldo in the lead-up.
A brilliant assist from midfielder Pedri enabled Mikel Oyarzabal, the player who scored the decisive goal against England in the final of last year’s European Championship, to put Spain back in front before halftime.
Ronaldo vs Yamal: Experience vs Youth in Munich
The rivalry between the Iberian countries was described as a battle between the past and the present – 40-year-old, five-time Ballon d’Or champion Ronaldo and Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal.
Although Yamal is considered one of the top contenders for a prestigious individual award this year, he found it difficult to gain ground. At the same time, Ronaldo seized his opportunity, leveling the score for Portugal with a close-range shot just after the hour mark.
Penalty Shootout Decides UEFA Nations League Champion
The game went to a shootout, with Portugal winning all five of their penalties to win the trophy, after Ronaldo was hurt late in the game and neither team could find a winner in extra time.
“Attention to detail truly sets apart the outcome, and it was a match that I believe was exceptionally even, but as we approached the conclusion of extra time, I felt we were doing enough to steer clear of a penalty shootout,” remarked Spain’s coach De La Fuente.
“Unfortunately, that’s what determined the outcome of the match, and they were just a bit more skilled and efficient during the shootout.”
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