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Spain vs Portugal live: Result and reaction as Ruben Neves scores decisive penalty Nations League final
Portugal 2-2 Spain (5-3 on penalties): Roberto Martinez’s men are the first team to win the Nations League twice
Portugal win the Nations League for the second time after a blistering penalty shootout with Spain.
Luis de le Fuente’s side were the favourites ahead of kick off and the first half proved why as the Spaniards swept into an early lead with pace and precision passing. Martin Zubimendi arrived in the box at the right time and turned in a deflection to put La Roja ahead.
Portugal responded four minutes late through a driving run from left-back Nuno Mendes. He cut inside from the left and guided a fine effort into the far bottom corner.
Just before half-time Mikel Oyarzabal restored Spain’s lead and it looked as though they would cruise to victory. Roberto Martinez’s half-time changes helped swing the momentum and Cristiano Ronaldo turned in an equaliser to force the game to penalties.
Portugal were perfect, scoring all five of theirs, with Alvaro Morata having his effort denied by Diogo Costa. That was the defining moment but Ruben Neves still had to score the last spot kick to secure the trophy and he did.
Relive the action from the Allianz Arena with our live blog below. Watch every Club World Cup game live on DAZN.
Portugal 0-1 Spain, 25 minutes
A good bit of defending from Ruben Dias ensures that Spain don’t double their lead in short order. Portugal need something here, though...
GOAL! Portugal 0-1 SPAIN (Martin Zubimendi, 22 minutes)
Spain strike! Another fluent, flowing move and there’s Martin Zubimendi to tap in after a stroke of luck!
It had been coming. The pressure had been piled on Portugal in the last 10 minutes, Roberto Martinez’s men unable to get out. Lamine Yamal’s inswinging cross is deflected first by Ruben Dias and then Joao Neves, with the pair of Portuguese contriving to set up Zubimendi for the simplest of finishes.
A quick clearance of a possible offside by VAR, and Spain are 1-0 in front.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 19 minutes
An early-ish booking for Goncalo Inacio, the centre-back second to a forward hoist and rather uncomfortably colliding with Mikel Oyarzabal’s neck and head. Perhaps a touch harsh, but the referee has set the tone.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 18 minutes
Close again! You do rather feel for Joao Neves here, far from a specialist right back but having to contend with Nico Williams and all that the Athletic Bilbao trickster has in his toolbox. Williams sears Neves on the inside and then fires just over the angle of the goal.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 15 minutes
Guided wide by Pedri! A scintillating move from Spain, a delicious switch from Dean Huijsen allowing Nico Williams room to roam down the left and then the Barcelona midfielder picked out 15 yards from goal. The intent is right, the execution not quite there, a vacant corner evaded by a few feet.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 14 minutes
That’s less good from the teenage phenom. Lamine Yamal blazes some way over the bar - it’s nice to know there’s something he can’t do.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 12 minutes
Wow! What feet from Lamine Yamal, weaving like a mamba between Portuguese tackles. Bernardo Silva takes his legs away; free kick in a very, very dangerous position.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 11 minutes
Credit to Cristiano Ronaldo, who is pressing high and hard so far to try and put pressure on Robin Le Normand and Dean Huijsen. It does seem slightly odd that he’s still trucking on, and one would suggest it will entirely be his decision when time is called on his international career, but the veteran popped up with the winner in the semi-final and clearly still has qualities to offer.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 10 minutes
Spain are beginning to take more regular control of possession, so much ball-playing talent in that midfield, of course, with Fabian Ruiz joining Pedri and Martin Zubimendi. Portugal holding their shape well enough so far, though.
Portugal 0-0 Spain, 7 minutes
Nico Williams sparks into life as he gets a first run in earnest down the left, connecting initially with a teammate but Spain squeezed out thereafter. Marc Cucurella, by the way, is not a popular man, the German fans who recall his possible handball during Euro 2024 clearly possessing good memories.
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