By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Portugal are crowned as the UEFA Nations League champions as they beat Spain 5-3 on penalties in the final at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved Álvaro Morata’s spot kick, then Ruben Neves converted his team’s fifth to seal the win after the match finished 2-2 after extra time.
Spain struck first midway through the opening half. Lamine Yamal, always lively on the right, whipped in a dangerous ball that caused confusion in the Portugal box. Diogo Costa failed to deal with it, and Martin Zubimendi reacted quickest to fire into the empty net.
Portugal hit back soon after through Nuno Mendes. The full-back found space on the edge of the area and rifled a low shot into the bottom corner past Unai Simon for his first international goal.
Spain restored their lead just before half-time when Mikel Oyarzabal finished off a sharp move inside the box with a clinical strike.
Cristiano Ronaldo had been quiet until the hour mark but did what he so often does. He drifted between defenders and tucked in a cross from Mendes to bring Portugal level again.
Extra time followed with chances at both ends, but no breakthrough. So it all came down to penalties.
Goncalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes and Nuno Mendes all calmly fired their penalties home before Morata’s weak effort was stopped by Costa.
And as Neves converted the final spot-kick, Portugal became the first team to win two Nations League titles – denying Spain, who were vying for the same honour.