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.
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.
Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes lead the way
On the day Fernando Santos completed eight years as Portugal coach, the manager was in fine form after guiding his team to a thumping 4-0 victory in Prague against the Czech Republic. “The best is yet to come,” said Santos in a clear allusion to his high expectations for the Seleção at World Cup 2022.