Morata scores as Spain stuns Portugal 1-0 in Nations League

BRAGA: Spain snatched a place in the Nations League final four after striker Alvaro Morata’s late goal secured a 1-0 win over host Portugal on Tuesday to ensure top spot in its group.

Portugal dominated the match but last year’s finalist Spain stayed in the contest and in the 88th minute Morata scored to silence most of the sold-out stadium after a long ball into the box from Dani Carvajal was headed across goal by Nico Williams. It was Spain’s first competitive win in Portugal since 1934 and its first victory in any match in Portugal since a 3-0 success in a friendly in 2003.

Spain finished top of League A-Group 2 on 11 points from six games, one point above second-placed Portugal which only needed a draw to secure a spot in the semi-finals. The Spaniards join Croatia, Italy and the Netherlands in next year’s finals tournament.

It was a bitter blow for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal which created several chances, was in total control during most the game and came so close to securing a place in the finals.

The host almost opened the scoring in the 32nd minute through Diogo Jota, who received a long pass from Bruno Fernandes and lashed a shot towards the top right corner that Unai Simon kept out with a brilliant one-handed save.

Fernandes almost scored himself five minutes later when he rifled a cross shot into the side netting with an effort that was so close the home fans thought it was a goal. Spain looked lost and confused in what was looking to be another lacklustre performance after it went down 2-1 at home to Switzerland on Saturday.

Spain manager Luis Enrique sprung a surprise with seven changes to his starting lineup, leaving Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets, Gavi, Pedri and Jordi Alba on the bench. It was not until he made four substitutions in the second-half that Spain woke up and got its first shot on target of the game after 70 minutes through Morata.

The Atletico Madrid forward almost scored in the 76th minute when he fired a long-range shot towards the bottom right corner that Diogo Costa kept out with an outstanding one-handed stop.

Ronaldo tried hard to score but his play was often erratic and he was unable to successfully link up with his team-mates, who kept missing chances and left Spain in the game, allowing Morata to be the hero again with his late winner. Portugal manager Fernando Santos said the loss did not change his team’s confidence and preparations for the World Cup, where he believes Portugal “is still one of the favorites.” It faces Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.