Standouts scarce as Portugal crash out of UEFA Nations League

After the thrilling high of victory over Czechia, Portugal were brought spiraling down to earth at the Quarry in Braga last night. Though competitive in the first hour, Portugal's influence dramatically waned in the final 30 minutes during which time Spain slowly tightened the noose until Morata finished the job with minutes left in normal time. 

For the visitors, goalkeeper Unai Simón was arguably the pick of the litter. But from amongst the home side, who best preserved their honor in defeat? Once again, Nathan Motz sorts through the emotional wreckage of last night's events to grade each player's performance. 

Portugal suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Spain which allowed their Iberian neighbours to steal top spot and earn a place in the UEFA Nations League finals.

The Seleção created all the quality chances in Braga before a disastrous final 15 minutes saw them retreat into their own half.

In scenes almost identical to Portugal’s late capitulation to Serbia in the World Cup qualifiers, they sunk into their shell and eventually paid the price.

The killer blow came in the 88th minute when Álvaro Morata converted from close range, Ronaldo unable to save his side with the last chance in the match. PortuGOAL’s Matthew Marshall reports from the Quarry. 

Portugal coach Fernando Santos cut a dejected figure in the post-match press conference after a late Álvaro Morata goal for Spain knocked the Seleção out of the Nations League in Braga tonight.

Midfielder Rúben Neves immediately turned his thoughts to Qatar, saying: “there’s no time to think about this competition any more. We have to focus on the World Cup.”

PortuGOAL rounds up the Portugal 0-1 Spain match reaction. 

Portugal host Spain on Tuesday night in Braga with a place in the Final Four of the Nations League at stake. Provided the Seleção avoid defeat, they will make the decisive phase of the competition, which will be played in the summer of 2023.

Despite the favourable position, it will be no easy task against a Spanish side with its pride wounded following a surprise 2-1 home defeat to Switzerland on Saturday night.

PortuGOAL previews Portugal’s final competitive match before the 2022 World Cup.