Portugal vs Spain becomes highest-scoring UEFA Nations League final
The summit clash between Portugal and Spain final became the highest-scoring UEFA Nations League when Cristiano Ronaldo scored the fourth goal, at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Saturday.
Going into half-time with a one-goal deficit, Ronaldo equalised for the Selecao, giving new life to the thousands of Portuguese supporters in the stadium.
LIST OF UEFA Nations League finals:
Portugal 1–0 Netherlands
Spain 1–2 France
Spain 0–0 Croatia (5–4 on penalties)
More to follow.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Cristiano Ronaldo drops major retirement hint after Portugal win Nations League: 'If I don't get seriously...'
Cristiano Ronaldo dropped a major retirement hint after Portugal won the UEFA Nations League. The 40-year-old was left in tears after Portugal defeated Spain 5-3 on penalties in the summit clash at the Allianz Stadium in Munich, Germany. The forward had scored in the regular time to help Portugal draw level with Spain 2-2 in the final. After the UEFA Nations League win, the Portugal talisman shared a major retirement hint, saying he would like to continue provided he does not get "seriously injured." "You know how old I am already. Obviously, I'm closer to the end than I was at the beginning, but I have to enjoy every moment. If I don't get seriously injured, I'll keep going," Ronaldo told reporters after the UEFA Nations League win. Ronaldo's work ethics speak for themselves, and they were proven once again during the finals when he was the first one to run out onto the field for the pre-game warm-up. As soon as he came out, several of his fans started recording him on their mobile phones. 'I have many titles with my clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. These are tears. It's mission accomplished and so much joy," Ronaldo said about Portugal's win. It was Nuno Mendes who had initially brought Portugal on level terms after Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring for Spain. However, Spain quickly took the lead once again as Mikel Oyarzabal put Spain ahead 2-1 at the half-time break. Also Read: Portugal win UEFA Nations League for the second time However, just like in old times, Ronaldo was the game-changer. In the 61st minute, he registered the equaliser from Mendes' deflected cross. Ronaldo was then eventually substituted in the 88th minute, to standing ovations from fans and a hug from coach Roberto Martínez. The maverick striker also revealed that he carried an injury into the final against Spain. However, he said that even if he had to break his leg to play for Portugal, he would have done so. 'I had already felt it during the warmup, I had been feeling it for some time, but for the national team, if I had to break my leg, I would have broken it. It's for a trophy, I had to play and I gave it my all," said Ronaldo. 'I have lived in many countries, I have played for many clubs, but when it's about Portugal, it is always a special feeling,' he added. Ronaldo's future in club football is uncertain, as his contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr is set to expire at the end of this month. After the club's last match of this season, Ronaldo posted on social media, "This chapter is over."
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Portugal win UEFA Nations League for the second time, beat Spain on penalties in final
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. While Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal's fluid movement troubled the Portugese defence early in the match, La Roja's opener was scrappy. Yamal chipped from outside the box and the Portugal defence froze, botching a clearance which fell to Zubimendi, who leathered the ball into the net. The goal was just rewards for Spain's early dominance, but Portugal hit back almost immediately. Mendes, put through by Pedro Neto, drilled a low shot across the goal and in. Just before halftime, Spain picked Portugal's pocket in their own half before advancing. Pedri linked with Oyarzabal, who threaded the ball past Diogo Costa. Oyarzabal's goal meant he has scored in three international finals -- against England at Euro 2024, which Spain won, and the 2023 and 2025 Nations Leagues, which Spain lost. Ronaldo had done little other than encourage the heavily Portuguese crowd until that point but would pick his moment to strike. With 61 minutes gone, Mendes shed a defender and whipped in a cross. The ball took a deflection and Ronaldo outmuscled Cucurella before lashing a volley home. The goal was Ronaldo's fourth in 10 matches against Spain. The previous three all coming in a wild 3-3 draw at the 2018 World Cup. Limping in the dying stages of regulation time, Ronaldo fell to the turf with three minutes left and signalled to the bench that his night was over. Spain may have been confident when the match went to extra time, having won on penalties in 2023, but Portugal were faultless, Neves stepping up and converting to send his teammates, including a hobbled Ronaldo, streaming onto the pitch.
The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo scores in Portugal vs Spain UEFA Nations League final
Cristiano Ronaldo restored parity in the UEFA Nations League final when he equalised for Portugal against Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Saturday. WATCH THE GOAL BELOW: More to follow
