A single goal decides the first final of the Nations League. The champion of Europe, Portugal to be crowned premiere winner. Third place England has secured – in a rather unusual way.
After winning the European championship three years ago, Portugal has won in front of a home crowd the next song. Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo and his colleagues secured a deserved 1:0 (0:0)-success against the Netherlands, played for the title in the first Nations League. In the Estadio do Dragao of Porto gonçalo Guedes decided by the FC Valencia in the game. He used one of the numerous Portuguese’s chances with a precise left-footed shot from 16 yards for the only goal of the match (60. Minute). The low countries left out, however, the opportunity to win their second international title after the Triumph in the European championship 1988 in Germany.
The Netherlands had been complacent, had more ball possession, but came with their combinations and never in a Position where scoring chances could occur. Opportunities there were for a long time only for Portugal, for example, for Jose Fonte (29.), the strong Bruno Fernandes (12./31./38.) – and finally, Cristiano Ronaldo (41.), the Portugal had scored three goals in the semi-final against Switzerland single-handedly to the final.
Only after the residue, the low countries showed the urge for something more Offensive, and came in turn to opportunities: Memphis Depay headed the Ball into the arms of goalkeeper Rui Patricio (66.), and Marten de Roon fired just over (79.).
England in the penalty shootout
The third place was secured before England. The team of coach Gareth Southgate defeated Switzerland in Guimaraes after 120 scoreless minutes, with 6:5 in a penalty shoot-out. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who had previously transformed himself, saved the decisive shot from Josip Drmic (Borussia Mönchengladbach).
asz/sw (sid, dpa)