Braga, Portugal, September 28 (BNA): Spain snatched a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals after striker Alvaro Morata scored a 1-0 win over hosts Portugal to secure the top of their group.
Portugal dominated the game but last year’s finalist Spain stayed in the game and in the 88th minute Morata scored a goal to silence most of a stadium sold out after a long ball into the penalty area from Dani Carvajal headed past Nico Williams’ goal.
It was Spain’s first competitive win in Portugal since 1934 and their first win in any Portugal match since a 3-0 win in a friendly match in 2003, Reuters reported.
Spain finished top of Group B in La Liga with 11 points from six matches, one point behind second-placed Portugal who only needed a draw to secure a place in the semi-finals.
The Spaniards will join Croatia, Italy and the Netherlands in next year’s World Cup finals.
“It was a tough match but I stick with the team’s attitude,” Morata told reporters.
“If we are defeated, it has to be by leaving everything on the field and that’s what we had to do again.
“Every time Spain has to appear in the big games, we do it. That’s how we do it and tonight we did it again.”
It was a bitter blow for Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo who created many chances, was in complete control during most of the match and came very close to securing a place in the finals.
great save
The hosts almost opened the scoring in the 32nd minute through Diogo Jota, who received a long pass from Bruno Fernandes and hit the ball towards the upper right corner, which Unai Simon saved with a great one-handed shot.
Fernandez almost scored himself five minutes later when he smashed a cross into the side netting with an effort that was too close for home fans to think was a goal.
Lost and confused Spain looked to be looking forward to another lackluster performance after losing 2-1 at home to Switzerland on Saturday.
Spain coach Luis Enrique made a surprise with seven changes to his starting lineup, leaving Barcelona with Sergio Busquets, Jaffe, Pedri and Jordi Alba on the bench.
It wasn’t until he made four substitutions in the second half that Spain woke up and got their first shot on target in the match after 70 minutes via Morata.
The Atletico Madrid striker almost scored in the 76th minute when he fired a long-range shot into the lower right corner that Diogo Costa had cleared with a superb one-handed stop.
Morata Champion
Ronaldo tried hard to score, but his game was often erratic and he could not successfully communicate with his teammates, who missed opportunities and left Spain in the match, allowing Morata to be the champion again with his late victory.
Portugal coach Fernando Santos said the loss did not change his team’s confidence and preparations for the World Cup as he believes Portugal “remains one of the favourites”. They will face Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H