Latest news with #NationsLeague2025
Mint
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Mint
Cristiano Ronaldo opens up about his retirement after Portugal's win in Nations League 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo opened up about his retirement plans after Portugal clinched the UEFA Nations League title. Ronaldo was seen in tears after Portugal beat Spain 5-3 in a penalty shootout at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Ronaldo scored a crucial goal in the summit clash of the Nations League 2025. The 40-year-old's goal in the 61st minute helped his team to equalise the score 2-2. After the match ended in a draw even after extra time, the game turned more dramatic as Portugal defeated Spain on penalty shootout. Portugal players secured a famous 5-3 win on penalties. Penalty 1: Portugal – Goncalo Ramos – Goal Penalty 1: Spain – Mikel Merino – Goal Penalty 2: Portugal – Vitinha – Goal Penalty 2: Spain – Alex Baena – Goal Penalty 3: Portugal – Bruno Fernandes – Goal Penalty 3: Spain – Isco – Goal Penalty 4: Portugal – Nuno Mendes – Goal Penalty 4: Spain – Alvaro Morata – Miss Penalty 5: Portugal – Ruben Neves – Goal Cristiano Ronaldo looked very emotional after Portugal's win. After the match, the star player shared a major update on his retirement. It is to be noted that Ronaldo will turn 41 at the time of FIFA World Cup 2026 and there have been speculations on his return. "You know how old I am already. I am 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 expressed to the reporters. '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. Ronaldo also revealed that he carried an injury into the summit clash against Spain. '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," Ronaldo said. "It's for a trophy, I had to play and gave it my all," he added. '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 concluded. Portugal win their first Nations League title in the inaugural season - 2019. They defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in the final clash back then.
Mint
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Mint
Portugal clinch second Nations League title; beat Spain 5-3 in penalty shootout
Portugal clinched their second UEFA Nations League title in a stunning 5-3 penalty shootout against Spain. The Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, hosted an electrifying final clash, ending in a 2-2 draw after extra time. Portugal's legendary Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 138th goal in the game. Spain started strongly, controlling possession with their brilliant style. Martín Zubimendi broke the deadlock in the 21st minute. He converted a precise pass from Nico Williams to give Spain a 1-0 lead. Portugal responded quickly, with Nuno Mendes' strike in the 26th minute to level the score at 1-1. Just before halftime, Mikel Oyarzabal reclaimed Spain's lead, sending the ball surpass Portugal's goalkeeper Diogo Costa in the 44th minute. The score then became 2-1. Despite Spain's dominance, Portugal didn't lose hope in the game. The second half saw Portugal fight back with renewed and turn the tables. In the 61st minute, Cristiano Ronaldo, defying his 40 years, scored his 138th international goal, leveling the score at 2-2. The momentum shifted towards Portugal. Both teams created chances, with Bruno Fernandes and Lamine Yamal testing the goalkeepers, but neither could find a winner in regulation time. A late clearance by Portugal's Vitinha and a yellow card to Spain's Le Normand for a foul added to the intensity. The match went into extra time, both teams looked strong and tried to score a goal. Despite close calls, including a crucial clearance by Spain's Alex Baena, the score remained 2-2. The final headed to a penalty shootout, where Portugal's star players guided the team to a win. Spain's Alvaro Morata saw his penalty saved by Diogo Costa, while Ruben Neves calmly converted the decisive spot kick, securing a 5-3 shootout victory and Portugal's second Nations League title. Nuno Mendes was named Player of the Tournament for his standout performance. Portugal's triumph marked a historic moment, with Ronaldo proving his enduring brilliance. They had won their maiden title in the year 2019 which was the inaugural season of the Nations League. Portugal had won 1-0 against the Netherlands. France won the match 2-1 against Germany to secure third place in the Nations League 2025. Kylian Mbappe scored the first goal for France in the 43rd minute and Michael Olise scored the second one in the 84th minute. Notably, Germany was defeated by Portugal and France lost to Spain in the semifinals.
Mint
4 days ago
- Sport
- Mint
Spain thrash France to storm into final of Nations League 2025; set to face Portugal
Spain beat France to claim a spot in the final of the Nations League 2025. The match seemed as a one-sided game in the first half turned into a nail-biting thriller while reaching its final stages. The winners will now face Portugal in the final match and the losing team will face Germany in the clash for third place. Spain looked unstoppable and took a commanding 2-0 lead in the first half of the match. The game began with France looking strong, keeping the ball, and trying to break through Spain's defense. By the 16th minute, France had completed 202 passes compared to Spain's 172. But Spain's goalkeeper, Unai Simon, was outstanding, making key saves, including stopping a shot from Doue in the 31st minute of the game and the scores were level at 0-0. In the 23rd minute, Spain took the lead with star player Lamine Yamal gave a pass to Oyarzabal in the box. Oyarzabal outsmarted the defenders and set up Nico Williams, who smashed the ball into the top of the net to register a goal. Two minutes after the first goal, in the 25th minute, Spain scored again. Mikel Merino and Oyarzabal passed the ball quickly to each other, freeing Merino inside the box. He then kicked the ball into the bottom corner of the net, making the score 2-0. France kept trying, with players like Dembele and Olise creating chances, but Spain's defense stayed solid with Unai Simon making stunning saves. A late goal by Huijsen was ruled out for offside in the 44th minute, keeping the score at 2-0 after the halftime whistle blew. The match resumed after half-time and the Spanish attack got more lethal. In the 50th minute, Yamal won a penalty after being fouled by Rabiot, who earned a yellow card. After a VAR check, Yamal converted the penalty in the 54th minute, making it 3-0. A minute later, Pedri added a fourth goal. Pedri played a quick one-two with Williams before he sent the ball past Maignan, solidifying Spain's dominance. France earned a penalty in the 58th minute when Porro fouled Mbappe. The French captain stepped up and scored in the 59th minute, putting the ball into the bottom left corner to make it 4-1. Spain kept control, and in the 67th minute, Yamal scored again. The young player slipped the ball past Maignan from a tough angle, making it 5-1 and sealing the win. In the 63rd minute, both teams made changes. France brought on Barcola, Gusto, and Cherki for Kalulu, Doue, and Olise, while Spain replaced Williams and Pedri with Ruiz and Olmo. France bounced back strongly and in the 79th minute, debutant Rayan Cherki ignited hopes with a stunning volley, assisted by Kylian Mbappe, taking the scores to 2-5. An unfortunate own goal by Spain's Dani Vivian in the 84th minute, added to the drama as Spain's dominating lead got lessened. France's persistence paid off in the 90+3rd minute when Randal Kolo Muani headed in a pinpoint cross from Cherki, making it 5-4. Despite their late surge, France couldn't find an equalizer. As the match entered five minutes of added time, France pushed desperately for a draw. A free kick in the 90+5th minute saw Spain's goalkeeper Unai Simon confidently claim the ball, thwarting France's final chance. The referee's whistle at 90+6th minute confirmed Spain's hard-fought victory, with the Spanish crowd erupting as their team held firm. Spain will now face Portugal in the final clash to be played at the Allianz Arena. Earlier, Cristiano Ronaldo's team defeated Germany 2-1 in the first semifinal of the tournament. The match will be a thrilling contest and it will be interesting to see both teams locking horns.
