Portugal has clinched its second Nations League title in a thrilling final against Spain, decided by a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw. The match, held on Sunday in Munich, saw Portugal emerge victorious with a 5-3 win on penalties, sparking joyous celebrations among the team and their supporters.
The game was a tense affair from the start, with both sides displaying tactical prowess and determination. Spain, the reigning champions, were eager to defend their title, while Portugal, fueled by the ambition to add another trophy to their cabinet, presented a formidable challenge. The match saw goals from both sides, with Zubimendi and Oyarzabal finding the net for Spain, while Nuno Mendes and Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Portugal, taking the game into extra time.
Cristiano Ronaldo's goal was his 138th international goal. However, neither side could break the deadlock in extra time, leading to a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
In the shootout, Portugal maintained their composure, converting all five of their penalties. The decisive moment came when Portugal's goalkeeper, Diogo Costa, saved Álvaro Morata's spot kick. Ruben Neves then stepped up and confidently slotted home the winning penalty, sending the Portuguese team and fans into raptures.
Ronaldo, who had to be substituted due to an injury in the final moments of the game, watched the penalty shootout from the sidelines. His emotions were visible as Neves scored the winning penalty.
Earlier in the day, France secured third place in the Nations League with a 2-0 victory over host nation Germany in Stuttgart. Kylian Mbappé was the star of the match, scoring one goal and assisting Michael Olise for the other, helping France recover from a slow start.