Manuel Chávez
Dailysports's expert
On June 8, a new Nations League champion will be crowned as Portugal and Spain clash for the title. Who will emerge victorious in this Pyrenean derby?
Portugal
Portugal breezed through the Nations League group stage, but things got tricky in the playoffs. Cristiano and company suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Denmark in the quarterfinals but turned things around at home, winning 3-2—fortunately, the away goals rule no longer applies. The tie went to extra time, where the Portuguese struck twice more to book their ticket to the Final Four.
In the semifinals, Portugal struggled against Germany, who had the home advantage. The Germans opened the scoring in the 48th minute, but only then did Roberto Martínez's men ramp up the intensity. A five-minute surge midway through the second half flipped the game: Conceição equalized, and Ronaldo netted the winner for a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory. The hero was Francisco Conceição, who came off the bench in the second half, scored a brilliant goal, and had a couple more lethal chances.
Spain
Spain enter this Final Four as one of the top favorites—they are, after all, the reigning European champions and the most recent winners of the tournament. The semifinal against France turned into a goal-fest, with La Roja edging a wild 5-4 win. Midway through the second half, it seemed the contest was over with Spain leading 5-1, but the French fought back until the final whistle.
The standout player was the sensational Lamine Yamal, who bagged a brace. Spain's main weapon remains their superb team play, but as the last match showed, their defense isn’t impenetrable.
Probable lineups
- Portugal: Costa, Mendes, Inácio, Dias, Neves, Silva, Neves, Neto, Fernandes, Conceição, Ronaldo.
- Spain: Simón, Porro, Le Normand, Heisen, Merino, Zubimendi, Pedri, Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams.
H2H
Recent encounters between these teams have been closely contested, with five of their last six matches ending in a draw after regular time.
Prediction
Bookmakers are siding with Spain in this final, and I agree—the level of cohesion in La Roja's play is superior to their rivals. Portugal boasts plenty of players with outstanding individual skills. The winner of this final will become the first two-time Nations League champion. I expect a hard-fought and gripping battle, but my bet is on a straight Spain victory.
