Spain advanced to the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League after defeating Portugal 1-0 on Tuesday evening.
UEFA Nations League
Result: Portugal 0-1 Spain
Date: 27 September 2022
Venue: Estádio Municipal de Braga
The Selecao made three changes from their big win over Czech Republic, as Joao Cancelo, Diogo Jota and Nuno Mendes were recalled La Roja, meanwhile, shuffled the side that lost to Switzerland, with the likes of Koke, Rodri, Carlos Soler and Alvaro Morata brought back.
Fernando Santos' charges made their intentions clear in the early stages, sitting back and content playing on counter-attacks, as Spain looked to break the down.
That pattern of play, however, carved out the best chances for Portugal on the break, as Jota had a big chance to break the deadlock on 33 minutes after evading two markers in the box but his strike was bravely parried over the crossbar by goalkeeper Unai Simon.
The Selecao had the momentum in the latter phase of the first stanza and Bruno Fernandes had an opening after he found himself with space and was invited to have a crack at goal but his effort came off the side-netting.
Portugal were quick off the blocks from the half-time break as Cristiano Ronaldo had a good chance after a through ball by Jota but his close-range shot was smothered by Simon.
Spain were struggling to trouble the Selecao and Luis Enrique made a triple change around the hour-mark, as Gavi, Yeremy Pino and Pedri all came on for fresh legs.
Santos' men continued to open up La Roja on their attacks as Ruben Dias came close to breaking the deadlock 20 minutes before time with a cracking strike from a set-piece routine that beat Simon but was blocked over the crossbar by Dani Carvajal.
The game was still there for the taking in the closing stages and Nico Williams came the closest to steal all the three points for Enrique's men in the last quarter-hour mark with a dipping strike that was thwarted by shot-stopper Diogo Costa, who had a relatively quiet game in goal.
Spain had the urgency going forward, as Morata snatched the winner two minutes before time with a smashing strike in the box after he was setup by Williams, securing top spot for Enrique's charges
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