lvaro Morata struck late to ship Spain into the Nations League semi-finals on the expense of group leaders Portugal on an entertaining evening in Braga.
The hosts wanted solely some extent after the complexion of the group had modified following their win over Czech Republic and Spain’s loss to Switzerland final trip, wanting good worth for it for a lot of the sport.
Whereas the away aspect noticed loads of the ball, an absence of incision noticed the sport largely performed in entrance of a resolute Portuguese defence. Nonetheless, even regardless of the attacking expertise on the pitch, this was a recreation of few real clear-cut possibilities.
The most effective of them got here to each Morata and Cristiano Ronaldo. The latter, maybe attributable to an absence of constant recreation time at Manchester United squandered quite a few alternatives, placing Unai Simon when via on purpose.
Morata, not precisely probably the most fearsome striker on the planet, did handle to show scientific on the loss of life. Following the introduction of Nico Williams, Spain exploited gaps within the house aspect’s backline and it was the teenager’s header into Morata’s path that set-up the purpose, a robust end from contained in the 6-yard field with an open purpose at his mercy.
Dwell updates
FT: Portugal 0-1 Spain
Spain have finished it!
They’re heading for the ultimate 4.
Time working out
94:00 – Some determined balls into the field now, which come to nothing.
Into added time
90:00 – Ronaldo goes shut with a snapshot as Portugal chase some extent!
GOAL! Portugal 0-1 Spain | Alvaro Morata ‘87
87:00 – Wow!
Williams heads down a diagonal into Morata’s path and fires house with ease.
CHANCE FOR SPAIN!
84:00 – One other sensible little bit of play from Williams, discovering Morata with a cutback however the Spanish ahead can not join correctly.
CHANE FOR SPAIN
73:00 – Nico Williams, on for Morata, goes the closest Spain have come up to now however Costa saves his curling shot.
CHANCE FOR PORTUGAL
68:00 – Goalmouth scramble ends in Dias get a shot off, with Carvajal clearing over the bar.
Good from Nuno Mendes
64:00 – Superb footwork from the PSG star leaves 3 defenders in his wake, although Spain ultimately clear their strains.
Getting scrappy
54:00 – The standard has definitely dropped of late, with each groups responsible of giving the ball away cheaply.
Spain can not get out
49:00 – Morata, just about Spain’s solely out-ball, can not make the ball stick each time the defenders punt it as much as him to alleviate some strain.
