UEFA Nations League highlights as Ronaldo saves Portugal with a last-minute goal, Spain battles through adversity to defeat Switzerland, Croatia edges past Poland, and Denmark tops Serbia!
The UEFA Nations League served up more drama this week as top European teams clashed in crucial encounters. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s last-minute goal rescuing Portugal against Scotland, to Spain overcoming a first-half red card to thrash Switzerland, and Croatia narrowly defeating Poland, there was no shortage of action. Denmark also shone brightly, securing an impressive victory over Serbia. Let’s dive into the details of each match.
Spain vs Switzerland: Spain Triumphs in Thrilling Contest with 10-Men
Spain, the reigning EURO 2024 champions, faced a stern test against Switzerland but emerged victorious with a 4-1 win, despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half. The game got off to a lightning start, with Spain taking the lead through their teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old Barcelona forward showcased his playmaking abilities, setting up Joselu for the opener. Although Switzerland’s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel got a hand to Joselu’s header, the ball crossed the line, marking Lamin Yamal’s 16th goal contribution in his last 19 appearances.
Spain’s dominance continued just minutes later when Yamal orchestrated another attack. A blocked shot from Nico Williams fell kindly to Fabian Ruiz, who pounced on the rebound to double Spain’s lead. The Swiss, however, were handed a lifeline when Robin Le Normand was shown a straight red card for a foul on Breel Embolo, allowing Switzerland to push forward with a man advantage.
Switzerland pulled one back through Zeki Amdouni, whose free-kick struck the crossbar before he finished a close-range effort to make it 2-1. Despite their numerical superiority, Switzerland couldn’t keep up with Spain’s counter-attacking prowess. Substitute Ferran Torres played a crucial role in setting up Ruiz for his second goal before adding a fourth for Spain in the dying moments. The win puts Spain in a strong position in their group, showcasing their ability to thrive even when down to 10 men.
Croatia vs Poland: Modric Celebrates with a Stunning Winner
Croatia continued their impressive run in the UEFA Nations League, edging past Poland with a narrow 1-0 victory. The match saw a battle between two football icons—Croatia’s Luka Modrić and Poland’s Robert Lewandowski. However, it was the Croatian captain who stole the spotlight, delivering a stunning free-kick to secure the win.
The game itself was a one-sided affair in terms of chances, with Croatia registering 22 shots compared to Poland’s nine. Despite their dominance, Croatia struggled to break down Poland’s defense until Modrić stepped up. On the eve of his 39th birthday, the Real Madrid legend curled a free-kick into the top corner, marking his 27th international goal on his 180th appearance for Croatia. Lewandowski, on the other hand, had a quiet evening, unable to make an impact as his side failed to muster a comeback.
The win puts Croatia in a strong position in their group and highlights Modrić’s continued importance to the national team, even as he approaches his 40th birthday.
Portugal vs Scotland: Ronaldo to the Rescue
Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved to be the hero for Portugal in a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Scotland. Despite starting the match on the bench, Ronaldo made his presence felt late in the game. Scotland, under Steve Clarke’s guidance, nearly caused a major upset after Scott McTominay, Napoli’s new signing, scored with a well-timed header. McTominay’s effort silenced the home crowd and marked his second goal in the competition, continuing his hot streak with 10 goals in his last 17 appearances.
Portugal, despite dominating possession and shots, struggled to break through the resilient Scottish defense for much of the match. It took an hour of relentless pressure before the Portuguese side found their equalizer. On his 30th birthday, Bruno Fernandes smashed home a brilliant long-range strike, leveling the game at 1-1 after multiple attempts on goal.
As the clock ticked down, it seemed like Scotland’s Angus Gunn would hold off the Portuguese attack with a series of impressive saves. However, Ronaldo had other plans. With just minutes remaining, the Portuguese legend capitalized on a cross into the box, securing the win for Portugal and notching his 901st career goal. The result keeps Portugal firmly in the running in their group.
Denmark vs Serbia: Grønbæk and Poulsen Shine
Denmark solidified their place at the top of Group A4 with a confident 2-0 win over Serbia. With a mix of youth and experience on display, Denmark controlled the game and created several chances. Fans had to wait until just before halftime for the breakthrough, when 22-year-old Albert Grønbæk scored his first goal for the national team. The Rennes midfielder made a darting run into the box, finishing with precision to put Denmark ahead.
After a lengthy VAR check, the goal stood, giving Denmark the advantage. The second half saw more Danish dominance, and veteran forward Yusuf Poulsen doubled the lead with a spectacular bicycle kick from just inside the penalty area. Poulsen’s acrobatic finish sealed the points for Denmark, while Serbia struggled to create any meaningful chances throughout the 90 minutes.
With players like Christian Eriksen and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg controlling the midfield, Denmark looked assured and capable of further success in the competition.
Looking Ahead: UEFA Nations League 2024
The UEFA Nations League continues to offer thrilling matches and dramatic moments, with Ronaldo saving Portugal from a shock defeat, Spain battling through adversity to crush Switzerland, Croatia relying on their ageless captain Modrić, and Denmark topping their group with an impressive victory. As the competition progresses, these results will have a significant impact on the standings, with each team pushing for a place in the next stage. Stay tuned for more action-packed UEFA Nations League encounters.
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