Julius OkorieAll eyes will be at the Allianze Arena in Munich, Germany, today as Portugal battle Spain in what promises to be a fight to the finish encounter.
Interestingly both countries have been penciled down to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Morocco. That is about five years from now but for today, it is a winner takes all showdown, that will interest a lot of people for different reasons.
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Portugal, winners of the inaugural Nations League title in 2019, are aiming to increase the tally and by so doing become two-time winners just like today’s opponents, Spain.
Roberto Martínez’s side remained in Munich for the final after ousting hosts Germany with a turnaround victory, Cristiano Ronaldo rolling in the winner after Francisco Conceição’s stunning leveller.
Facing Spain will bring back fond memories for the 40-year-old Ronaldo, who struck a hat-trick during a memorable encounter between the sides at the World Cup in 2018 in Russia.
READ ALSO:Ronaldo Records 137th International Goal, Fires Portugal Into Nations League Final
If by any chance he repeats this act today, it would take him past Sweden’s Viktor Gyökeres as the top scorer of this Nations League campaign. Gyökeres holds the bragging right with 10 goals, while Norway and Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, Georgia’ forward, Georges Mikautadz and Ronaldo have all scored nine goals each.
Holders Spain on their part, have the opportunity to earn major international honours for a third consecutive year, Luis de la Fuente having already guided them to Nations League glory in 2023 and a European Championship in 2024.
Ronaldo And Lamine Yamal On The Spot:
Another focal point of attention is the duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona forward and Spain teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal.
They are two generations apart but the exploits of 17-year-old Yamal is too glaring to be ignored. For the records, analysts note that “When Lamine Yamal was born, Cristiano Ronaldo had already played 46 times for Portugal. They are set to share the pitch, if both are selected, and surely they will, in this fascinating Nations League final. With Ronaldo close to retirement at the age of 40, this could be the last time we see these two giants of the great game on the same pitch together.”
Despite the submission, you never say never in football as the Al-Nassr Forward is looking forward not only to playing at the next World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada, but also hoping to play on home ground in 2030 ceteris paribus.
Between the veteran and the teenager the pressure no doubt will be on the teenager who will be hoping to keep up with impressive pace he has set for himself, even as he was recently named most valuable footballer in the world.
Six-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo, who has won virtually everything there is to win except the World Cup is hoping that Yamal will not crumble under pressure. He is concerned not out of envy but knowing what it means to have a lot of expectations on your shoulders. He has advice for his coaches and only stakeholders who are taking note of Yamal’s exploits and records.
“This kid has been doing things really well at a club and national team that help him very much. It’s a great atmosphere for him to show his quality. Let him grow; do not put him under pressure so we can enjoy a talent like this for many years. I would like to take pressure off him and leave him alone. He’s got plenty of talent.” he said
On today’s encounter Ronaldo is optimistic of victory even though it will not be cheap.
“We’re all feeling upbeat, confident, playing an amazing team, maybe the best in the world, but we’re confident after what we did in our last tie. I hope we can rise to the occasion and win it. We are at peace and we believe things will work out for us. We hadn’t beaten Germany in many years but pages turn. We know it’s going to be very tough but that is the nature of finals. Spain are very confident, have not lost in 24 [competitive] games but we have our own weapons. We believe it’s going to work out for us, “enthused the Portugal Captain.
For Spain Coach, Luis de la Fuente, it is about putting every arsenal in the armoury into this encounter because Portugal are indeed formidable.
“You don’t always come up against such good teams. Four of the best five teams in Europe are here. It’s a super tough competition, very demanding, a lot of prestige and will be valued as time goes by. Every rival is difficult but Portugal is a powerful national team. They have so much talent, so versatile, fast, there are certain similarities to us in the players and ideas. With our versatility, we will try to surprise them, we will try to use our strengths, and everything we can to try to beat them, “he said.
The battle of Allianz Arena tonight, promises to be full of fireworks and whoever emerges champion will not do that on a platter, but will need to dig deep to overcome.
Third place match that will be played earlier, will see Germany host France. This equally will not be a cheap encounter. Soccer lovers only need to sit back and watch full dose of good football in this Sunday’s double header.
Possible Line-ups
Portugal:
Diogo Costa; Nélson Semedo, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, João Neves; Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Pedro Neto
Spain:
Unai Simón; Pedro Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Pedri, Fabian Ruíz: Yamal, Merino, Williams; Oyarzabal
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
