This match showcased two teams that are likely to be among the frontrunners for next year’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, providing a tantalising preview of potential stars for the tournament. However, it was a challenging evening for 17-year-old Spanish forward Lamine Yamal.
Martin Zubimendi opened the scoring for Spain, but Nuno Mendes, who delivered a standout performance, equalised with a powerful strike. Mikel Oyarzabal then capitalised on a rapid counterattack to put Spain back in the lead, only for Cristiano Ronaldo to respond, levelling the match once again after another impressive play by Mendes.
A key matchup of the game was Mendes versus Yamal, with the latter repeatedly thwarted by the outstanding Portuguese full-back, who has been having an incredible season. In extra time, Rafael Leão of Milan, who came on as a second-half substitute for Portugal under Roberto Martínez, injected excitement into the attack before the decisive moments came down to a penalty shootout.
How did it play out for Ronaldo?
It was a strange night for Cristiano Ronaldo.
He flicked Oyarzabal’s ear after Portugal’s first equaliser was allowed following a VAR check for a possible Ronaldo offside. He swapped shirts with Nico Williams at halftime, complained to the referee after Spain’s goals, and seemed out of sync with the game, raising doubts about whether Roberto Martinez might substitute his captain.
There was an hour on the clock and Ronaldo hadn’t registered a shot of any description. And then it happened.
Of course, it happened.
Mendes, who scored Portugal’s first goal and was the standout player, outpaced Yamal on the left wing and delivered a cross that deflected off Robin Le Normand. As the ball looped up towards the far post, where Ronaldo was up against Marc Cucurella, there was only going to be one outcome.
Ronaldo scored a powerful volley, bringing his total to 138 goals for Portugal and proving doubters wrong about his contribution to the game.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the match went right down to penalties as both teams struggled to score the all-important third goal. As the cliché goes, this was a game for the neutrals, as both teams gave it their all, and ultimately, the team that could hold their nerve was crowned champions. Unfortunately for Lamine, this will not be another trophy he can add to his already exceptionally cluttered trophy cabinet. However, for Ronald, this proves that he still has plenty left in the tank, and on the biggest stage, he can still be the leading man.
Source: Goal.com