12
20:57
Both teams rely on high pressing, which is extremely exhausting at temperatures of around 30 degrees. Let’s see how long this intensity can be sustained.
9
20:55
With a clever foul on André Silva, Busquets stopped the Portuguese’s rapid counterattack. Referee Oliver lets the yellow card stick again.
7
20:52
Both teams set a high pace from the start. It’s a lively first few minutes in Seville.
4
20:49
In the standard that followed, Diogo Costa showed a slight insecurity when running out, but Pereira finally hit the free ball out of the danger zone.
3
20:49
Spain records the first completion of the game. Pepe can only insufficiently clear a ball from the right in front of Gavi’s feet, who immediately shoots from 17 meters. Portugal’s central defender keeps his foot in and deflects the ball to a corner.
1
20:45
The ball rolls! Portugal kicked off in white while the hosts wore red shirts.
20:34
The referee of the game is the Englishman Michael Oliver. He will be assisted by Stuart Burt and Simon Bennett. VAR is Stuart Attwell.
20:23
In the last appearance, the Portuguese only secured the ticket for the World Cup in Qatar thanks to a 2-0 win against North Macedonia. Compared to the game, coach Fernando Santos changes three times. Guerreiro, Rafael Leão and André Silva will start in place of Nuno Mendes, Diogo Jota and Cristiano Ronaldo.
20:12
For the Spaniards, Barcelona’s youngster Ansu Fati is back in the squad for the first time after his serious injury. The winger initially takes a seat on the bench. Otherwise, Luis Enrique builds on his well-rehearsed axis consisting of keeper Unai Simón, Pau Torres, captain Busquets and Morata up front.
20:05
The Portuguese, on the other hand, won the first edition of the Nations League in 2019 and are now aiming to regain the title. However, the coach Fernando Santos is now increasingly under criticism. According to a survey in Portugal, just under a quarter of the fans are behind the 67-year-old. The coach himself, on the other hand, only focused on the sport before the duel with Spain: “We know it will be very difficult, but our goal is to win the group. Spain’s strongest characteristic is the ability to retrieve the ball .”
19:54
With the meeting of the Iberian neighbors, an exciting game awaits at the start of the Nations League. The Spaniards, who finished second behind France in the last edition of the tournament, want to make their mark in the group that also includes Switzerland and the Czech Republic in front of their home crowd in Seville. “The goal, as always, is to win every game and win the competition. Our goal is always to achieve the maximum,” said Spain head coach Luis Enrique, looking at the competition.
19:40
Welcome to matchday one of the 2022/23 UEFA Nations League! At 8:45 p.m., Spain and Portugal meet in Group 2 of League A.