Portugal become the first ever UEFA Nations League winners

Portugal become the first ever UEFA Nations League winners

Guedes celebró el gol que da el título a Portugal
Guedes celebró el gol que da el título a Portugal | AFP

A single goal from Guedes was enough to beat Holland and secure the trophy

At Porto's home stadium, El Estadio do Dragao, it was the home side Portugal who emerged victorious thanks to a single goal by Goncalo Guedes. This saw Cristiano Ronaldo lift the Nations League trophy and put an end to the European football calender, with the Copa America set to begin on Friday.

MATCH FACTS
UEFA Nations League

PORTUGAL

1 ________________ 0

HOLANDA

LINE UP

PORTUGAL

Rui Patricio, Semedo, Ruben Dias, Fonte, Guerreiro, Danilo (Neves, 93'), William Carvalho, Bruno Fernandes (Moutinho, 82'), Bernardo Silva, Guedes (Rafa Silva, 75') y Cristiano Ronaldo.

HOLANDA

Cillessen, Dumfries, De Ligt, Van Dijk, Blind, De Roon (Luuk de Jong, 82'), De Jong, Wiknaldum, Bergwijn (Van de Beek, 60'), Depay y Babel (Promes, 46').

GOLES

1-0, Guedes (60').

ÁRBITRO

Undiano Mallenco (España). T.A.: Dumfries (88').

INCIDENCIAS

Final de la Europa Nations League disputada en el Estadio do Dragao de Oporto ante 50.000 espectadores.

Koeman's Holland side started the better of the two sides but began to run out of energy as half-time approached. Portugal retained possession better and made the visitors work hard to win it back. Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo, alongside the always tricky Bernardo Silva, were probing for opportunities against a nervous looking Dutch backline.

Portugal were swarming forward and Cillessen needed to keep his side in the contest with smart saves. Dijk and De Ligt were often the last line of defence against a horde of Portuguese attackers. But the goal for the hosts didn't come.

Rui Patricio was largely an observer until he guessed right when Wijnaldum was through one-on-ojne. It wouldn't have counted anyway as the Dutch man was offside.

In the second half the game sprung into life. Portugal broke on the counter and it was Guedes, fresh off his Copa del Rey victory with Valencia, who beat the Barça stopper to give his side a 1-0 lead. Holland responded well and when Van de Beek found Depay, the striker should have done better.

Holland took control as they needed an equaliser however it was Portugal's turn to shut up shop at the back now. The minutes ticked down quickly and even the introduction of Luuk de Jong wasn't enough to great that one clear chance they needed. Fernando Santos' team held on to claim the first ever UEFA Nations League. This is his second international title after winning the Euros in 2016.