On the evening, for the first time in the Old Continent, the UEFA Nations League final took place. This tournament replaced friendly national team matches that were held until last year.
For the main trophy at the Porto City Stadium, the national teams of Portugal and the Netherlands clashed. The only goal by Goncalo Guedes in these matches determined the triumph of the Portuguese in front of their spectators.
Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, started the match very aggressively and caused problems for the Dutch from the first minutes.
In the first half, the Dutch failed to create any dangerous opportunities, and goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen confidently saved them from conceding a goal.
In the second half, the Netherlands livened up their game a bit, but it was not enough - in the 60th minute Goncalo Guedes scored the winning goal. The "Valencia" forward directed the ball into the opponents' net with a powerful shot after a pass from Bernardo Silva.
Throughout the remaining time, the Dutch created some dangerous situations - especially Memphis Depay came close to scoring, but Rui Patricio reacted to his header.
At the end of the match, Portugal withstood the pressure from their opponents and became the first team to win the newly established Nations League.
The triumph in this tournament does not guarantee qualification for the 2020 European Championship. This victory could be important if Portugal fails to qualify for the main tournament during the qualification process.
For the triumph in the Nations League, Portugal will receive 10.5 million euros from the prize fund, and the Netherlands will receive 9 million.
Result:
Portugal 1 - 0 Netherlands
60' [1 - 0] G. Guedes
Starting lineups:
Portugal: Rui Patrício; Semedo, Fonte, Rúben Dias, Guerreiro; Danilo, William Carvalho, Bruno Fernandes; Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Guedes.
Netherlands: Cillessen; Dumfries, Van Dijk, De Ligt, Blind; Wijnaldum, De Jong, De Roon; Bergwijn, Depay, Babel.
@selecaoportugal June 9, 2019
