Ronaldo scores, Portugal convincingly wins UEFA Nations League

In the early morning of June 9, at the UEFA Nations League final, Portugal defeated Spain on penalties to win the championship.

Ronaldo and Portugal convincingly won the UEFA Nations League - Photo: REUTERS

Not rated as highly as their opponent, the reigning Euro champions, Portugal chose to play defensively. Being forced to play on the field made it difficult for them in the early stages of the match, but they were effective in the later stages.

That is because in the first half, Portugal let the opponent score twice. Falling back somewhat made them inferior in possession of the ball, easily falling into a state of confusion when defending.

Zubimendi opened the scoring for Spain in the 21st minute in such a move. Lamine Yamal initiated the move with a difficult cross into the box. The Portuguese defence failed to clear the ball, allowing Zubimendi to put the ball into an open goal.

Spain's second goal came in the 45th minute, when Oyarzabal broke free and coolly finished. In between the two goals was Nuno Mendes' equalizer in the 26th minute.

The moment Ronaldo cleverly placed a pass to equalize for Portugal - Photo: REUTERS

Despite being outclassed in the first half, Portugal improved in the second half. They began to take advantage of many fast counter-attacks. And Ronaldo, who had been quite quiet before, shone in time to save Portugal.

Nuno Mendes once again played an important role with a pass from the left wing and a cross into the penalty area. Inside, Ronaldo skillfully eliminated his marker Cucurella to comfortably tap the ball in to equalize 2-2.

The equalizer helped Portugal play confidently, with many dangerous moves. Ronaldo actively retreated to defend and then ran forward to join the attack despite being 40 years old. He played until the 88th minute, when he was injured and had to leave the field.

The moment goalkeeper Costa blocked Morata's penalty - Photo: REUTERS

The joy of the Portuguese team after winning the penalty shootout - Photo: REUTERS

But his teammates still fought hard even though the match was dragged into extra time. Spain was quite deadlocked and needed many long-range shots. On the contrary, Portugal penetrated the penalty area many times.

The 2-2 draw forced the two teams into a penalty shootout. Spain missed their fourth penalty, with captain Morata taking the penalty. Meanwhile, all five Portuguese players, Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes and Ruben Neves, scored confidently, bringing home a 5-3 victory and the team's second UEFA Nations League title.

DUC KHUE

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ronaldo-ghi-ban-bo-dao-nha-vo-dich-thuyet-phuc-uefa-nations-league-20250609052232774.htm