Álvaro Morata Portugal to the semifinals of the Nations League
Alvaro Morata sent Spain into the Nations League semi-finals with an impressive overdue goal to defeat Portugal in Braga.
Portugal had a beaten chance to earn the point they needed, however, Cristiano Ronaldo failed from the close diversity to see his goalless streak with the national team triumph in 3 matches.
Spain needed a win to get back into the Final Four after losing last year’s final to France. Portugal won the inaugural edition of the house festival in 2019, but has progressed beyond the level of organisation since then.
Spain struggled to create chances until Dani Carvajal discovered Nico Williams in the box and the young Athletic Bilbao striker directed the ball through the box for a simple shot from Morata into the open net.
Spain controlled the organization until its 2-1 loss to Switzerland at home last weekend, while Portugal took the most sensible spot with a 4-0 win over the Czech Republic.
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Spain had not won in Portugal for almost two decades, since a friendly in 2003. They picked up their first away win against Portugal since a 2–1 World Cup qualifier in 1934.
The Iberian neighbors had drawn their last 4 friendlies included. Spain’s last win over Portugal came here in a penalty shootout in the semi-finals of Euro 2012.
Spain also picked up a win on the final day to qualify for last year’s Final Four, surprising Germany 6-0 at home.
Additional AP reports
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