logo
LIVE: Portugal vs Spain – UEFA Nations League final

LIVE: Portugal vs Spain – UEFA Nations League final

Al Jazeera8 hours ago

Update:
Date: 5m ago (15:45 GMT)
Title: Welcome to our live coverage!
Content: Hello, welcome and thanks for joining our live coverage of the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain.
The final in Munich, Germany, has been framed as a showdown between veteran Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, one of the game's biggest names, and 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, the most exciting young talent in world football.
Of course, this game is so much more than that because both sides are jam-packed with talent.
European champions Spain may be the favourites and were irresistible at times during their 5-4 semifinal win over France, but Portugal will also fancy their chances with their blend of youth and experience, which combined well to deservedly beat the hosts Germany in their final four game.
I'm Patrick Keddie, and I'll take you through the live build-up and bring you the photo coverage of the day.
Manasi Pathak will bring you the team news as it drops as well as comprehensive text commentary of the game.
So stick with us for all the talking points, analysis and the action itself.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Portugal beat Spain in penalty shootout to win second Nations League crown
Portugal beat Spain in penalty shootout to win second Nations League crown

Al Jazeera

timean hour ago

  • Al Jazeera

Portugal beat Spain in penalty shootout to win second Nations League crown

Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears as Portugal picked up their second Nations League title by beating holders Spain 5-3 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw in the final. Ronaldo's 138th international goal took the final on Sunday to a shootout, with Alvaro Morata's miss proving costly for Spain as Ruben Neves struck the winning spot kick to spark wild scenes of celebration, with emotion overwhelming the veteran captain. Spain's exhilarating 5-4 victory over France in Thursday's semifinal ensured Luis de la Fuente's side had continued an unbeaten run that stretched back to March 2023 coming into Sunday's showpiece final in Munich. They appeared on course for yet another trophy, on the back last year's European Championship triumph, as Martin Zubimendi tapped home his second international goal in the 21st minute. The holders' lead did not last long, however, as flying Portugal full-back Nuno Mendes slotted home the equaliser after good work from Ronaldo in the build up. A sublime pass from midfielder Pedri helped Mikel Oyarzabal, who netted the winner against England in last year's European Championship final, restored Spain's lead before the break. The tussle between the Iberian neighbours was billed as a clash between old and new – 40-year-old and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo and Spain's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. While Yamal, among the favourites to take home one of the most prestigious individual awards this year, struggled to make inroads, Ronaldo pounced on his chance, firing Portugal level from close range just past the hour mark. Ronaldo went off injured late on and neither side could find a winner in extra time, with the game going to a shootout and Portugal netting all five of their penalties to claim the trophy. Earlier on Sunday, Kylian Mbappe led France to third place with a 2-0 win over host nation Germany in Stuttgart. The Real Madrid star scored one goal and set up the other for Michael Olise as France recovered from a lethargic first half.

Netherlands beat Finland 2-0 to enjoy good start to World Cup qualifier
Netherlands beat Finland 2-0 to enjoy good start to World Cup qualifier

Qatar Tribune

timean hour ago

  • Qatar Tribune

Netherlands beat Finland 2-0 to enjoy good start to World Cup qualifier

PA Media/dpa London The Netherlands opened their World Cup qualification campaign with a 2-0 win over Finland in Helsinki. Ronald Koeman's side - beaten in the Nations League quarter-finals by Spain on penalties - took an early lead through Memphis Depay in the sixth minute. The Corinthians striker latched on to a stray backpass from Kaan Kairinen to slot in his 48th international goal and close to within two of Robin van Persie's all-time record. Inter Milan defender Denzel Dumfries added a second before the break, converting a floated ball to the back post from Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo. Group G's bottom side Malta picked up their first point after battling to a 0-0 draw against Lithuania at the Ta'Qali National Stadium. England laboured to a 1-0 win over Andorra in Barcelona to maintain their 100 per cent start to Group K. Captain Harry Kane make the breakthrough early in the second half, but the expected goals onslaught did not follow leaving new boss Thomas Tuchel facing more questions despite a third straight win. Serbia began their qualifying campaign with a 0-0 draw away to Balkans rivals Albania in Tirana. Albania saw a penalty from Rey Manaj saved by Serbia keeper Djordje Petrovic in stoppage time at the end of the first half. Bosnia and Herzegovina kept up their perfect record in Group H as Edin Dzeko's second-half goal gave them a 1-0 win over minnows San Marino in Zenica for a third victory.

Mbappe stars as France beat Germany 2-0 for NL third place
Mbappe stars as France beat Germany 2-0 for NL third place

Qatar Tribune

timean hour ago

  • Qatar Tribune

Mbappe stars as France beat Germany 2-0 for NL third place

dpa Stuttgart Captain Kylian Mbappé scored and set up the other as France beat hosts Germany 2-0 on Sunday in the Nations League match for third place. Man of the Match Mbappé netted a 50th goal in his 90th cap shortly before half-time, and then fed Michael Olise for the second in the 84th. Victory was sweet for Les Bleus after Thursday's 5-4 semi-final defeat against Spain, while Germany ended the home event with two losses, having fallen 2-1 against Portugal on Wednesday. Florian Wirtz hit the post, the hosts had a penalty call and a goal nullified upon review, but were also wasteful, especially early on. France finish on a high Much-changed France were a constant threat on the counter after the break, with Marcus Thuram hitting the outside post, and German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen keeping his side in the game on several occasions. 'We are happy to beat a team like Germany,' Mbappé told German broadcasters RTL. 'They had many opportunities but didn't score. We then scored and after the break it was more 50-50 and we had many chances.' Germany try to see the positives The first back-to-back defeats since November 2023 highlighted that Germany lack the squad depth of other top teams and, despite all progress in 2024, have a lot of work ahead to become a major threat again at big events. 'We showed in the first half that we wanted to show a reaction,' Germany captain Joshua Kimmich said. 'We should have been 3-0 up after six minutes. We conceded shortly before half-time and lost patience after the break. We made too many mistakes in possession.' Coach Julian Nagelsmann said: 'We must score against such top teams but the approach was good. In the second half we wanted to force things which leads to counter attacks. We showed that we can create against top teams despite missing several players.' Germany miss early lead in frantic start Both coaches had said they would use the match as a casting for World Cup qualifying in autumn, with France's Didier Deschamps making eight changes from the semi-final line-up, and Nagelsmann four. Germany started with purpose as Nick Woltemade and Karim Adeyemi were denied by goalkeeper Mike Maignan, Pascal Gross aimed wide, and Niclas Füllkrug had a goal-bound shot headed away by Lucas Digne. France finally settled in, and Cherki forced a first save from Ter Stegen, who then had to dive to his left to keep Loic Badé's header out on the ensuing corner kick. France lead after German penalty rescinded Germany thought they could take the lead after half an hour when referee Ivan Krueliak awarded a penalty after Adeyemi went down against Maignan. But the decision was rescinded after a long review and Adeyemi booked for diving instead. Wirtz hit the left post in the 36th, and Maignan denied Woltemade once more, but it was France who took the lead on the stroke of half-time. A long ball from Aurelien Tchouameni sailed over Kimmich to Mbappé, who beat the Germany captain and fired into the far right corner although Ter Stegen got his fingertips on the ball. Germany were punished for their wastefulness, and Mbappé almost struck again after the restart, hitting the side-netting. More German VAR agony before France seal it The ball was finally in the French net in the 53rd from substitute Deniz Undav, after Füllkrug had disposessed Rabiot. But Kru?liak ruled after a long look at the monitor that Füllkrug had fouled the defender. France were however now the more dangerous team, mainly on the counter, with chances including Thuram's shot against the post, Cherki aiming inches right, and Ter Stegan saving superbly against Mbappe's volley. The second finally came with six minutes left on yet another break, when unselfish Mbappé squared for substitute Olise to tap into the empty net.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store