Portugal Clinch UEFA Nations League Title in Dramatic Penalty Shootout Victory Over Spain
In a thrilling UEFA Nations League final on June 9th (Beijing Time), Portugal staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Spain 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in 120 minutes. Spain took the lead through Alvaro Morata in the 12th minute, but Nuno Mendes equalized with a header five minutes later. Spain regained the lead in first-half stoppage time, only for 39-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo to level the score at 2-2 in the 68th minute with a composed finish from a Bruno Fernandes assist. With no goals in extra time, Portugal sealed the victory as goalkeeper Diogo Costa saved two penalties, marking their second Nations League title in six years.
Ronaldo, who scored the crucial equalizer and kissed the trophy tearfully after the match, made history as the oldest goalscorer in Nations League final history, extending his international trophy tally to 12. Midfield lynchpins Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva combined for 8 key passes, enabling Portugal to launch 11 efficient counterattacks despite only 41% possession. Ruben Dias led a defensive line that made 13 clearances to withstand Spain's 63% (ball possession), while the team's perfect 5-for-5 penalty conversion rate highlighted their title-winning composure.
The triumph not only secured Portugal's second Nations League crown but also saw Ronaldo surpass Lionel Messi as the active player with the most international trophies. "The team wrote a football fairy tale with willpower," said manager Roberto Martinez. Though Spain fell short, Pedri's midfield control drew praise. Statistics show Portugal's 1.4 counterattack goals per game were decisive, and this squad—blending veteran experience with young talent—now sets its sights on the 2026 FIFA World Cup with championship momentum.
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