Portugal triumphs in shooting contest over Spain
Portugal triumphed over Spain in a thrilling Nations League final! With Cristiano Ronaldo in tow, Portugal secured the 2025 title following a 5:3 penalty shootout.
Portugal took the crown from European champions Spain in an unexpected turn of events. The match, played in Munich on Sunday evening, ended 2:2 after regular time, with extra time resulting in a 2:2 deadlock. The decider was the penalty shootout, where Portugal emerged victorious. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa shone in the spotlight, saving Álvaro Morata's penalty and paving the way for Rúben Neves to secure the win.
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Goals from Martin Zubimendi (21st minute) and Mikel Oyarzabal (45.) put Spain in the lead, but Portugal fought back with a goal each from Nuno Mendes (26.) and Cristiano Ronaldo (61.), equalizing the game. Portugal had previously triumphed over Germany 2:1 in the semi-finals.
Nations League final: Expectations favor Spain
Before the clash with Portugal, the Spanish team, spearheaded by five-time world footballer Ronaldo, was in the hot seat as the favorites. Fresh off their 2024 European Championship win, the Spaniards aimed to secure their third title in succession.
Young star Lamine Yamal carried Spain's hopes. Coach De la Fuente praised his calm demeanor amidst the limelight: "He handles all the attention normally. That's what makes him special."
Additional Notes
Football: Mbappé and Olise power France’s DFB-Ticker victory!
A spectacle to remember, Mbappé and Olise starred in France's 5:4 semi-final win against Germany on Thursday. In the nail-biting achievement, 17-year-old Lamine Yamal scored twice, garnering accolades from coach De la Fuente. "It's always the goal to concede fewer goals," he added. For more information on the 2023 UEFA Nations League, check out relevant matches or reports from that year.
Football and soccer were highlighted in the intense Nations League final between Portugal and Spain. Cristiano Ronaldo and his team, who had previously triumphed over Germany 2:1 in the semi-finals, fought back from a 2:1 deficit to secure a 5:3 penalty shootout victory over Spain, taking the 2025 title.
