With a dramatic victory against Spain around young star Lamine Yamal, “CR7” and Co. get the second title after 2019.
When Rúben Neves Eskalt converted the decisive penalty for Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo no longer kept it on the sidelines. The 40 -year -old world star, who had only made his team with the goal to 2-2, had only been extended and penalty, ran completely detached on the lawn and hugged his teammates with tears in his eyes.
He himself had been replaced in the 88th minute – after he had met in the 61st minute for the 138th time in the 221st international game.
Ronaldo won the highly expected generational duel against super talent Lamine Yamal. The Roberto Martínez team won the rapid and dramatic final in Munich with 5: 3 in penalty shootout and won the title after 2019 for the second time.
Video: Morata Valard from the point
After 90 and 120 minutes it was 2-2 (1: 2). “The fighting spirit and the cohesion were crucial today,” said Bruno Fernandes at RTL: “If we stick together like this, we are very difficult to beat.”
Portugal underlines World Cup ambitions
Portugal with the 40 -year -old goal scorer “CR7” also underlined his ambitions for the 2026 World Cup, and Ronaldo and Co. had already conquered hosts in the semifinals. But Spain around the 17 -year -old magic foot Yamal is also a favorite at the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Martin Zubimendi put Spain, which had spectacularly defeated France on Thursday, 5: 4 in front of 65,852 spectators in the 21st minute. Yamal prepared elegantly. Nuno Mendes immediately equalized (26th) before Mikel Oyarzabal still succeeded 2-1 shortly before the break (45th).
Ronaldo’s hit was the last before the penalty shootout, where Rúben Neves not only fulfilled the dreams of the Portuguese world star with his decisive goal. Spain’s captain Alvaro Morata had previously shot.
The first duel between Yamal and Ronaldo was the focus. “He is a legend. I have high respect for him,” said Yamal. Before the game, Ronaldo had asked to let the highly gifted professional grow in peace. “Don’t put too much pressure for him,” emphasized Cr7.
Video: of course CR7! Portugal strikes back
It was also Ronaldo who initiated the first chance for Portugal after winning the ball. João Neves, next to Nuno Mendes and Vitinha one of three Champions League winners of Paris Saint-Germain, narrowly drew up (5th).
Open finale between Portugal and Spain
At first it developed an open game in which Yamal let his enormous skills flash for the first time in the 12th minute when it could only be slowed down by a foul after a solo. However, he set the subsequent free kick from the penalty area far over the goal. It was much scarcer shortly afterwards when Pedri and Nico Williams missed in a promising position.
Spain was the team of the tone in this phase and also rewarded itself. Yamal chipped the ball into the penalty area. After some confusion, Zubimendi was completely free and had no effort. But Portugal only shook himself briefly and struck back immediately when Nuno Mendes decided and unai Simón did not give a chance.
An exchange of blows developed – with the better end of the first half for Spain. Oyarzabal remained freezing cold after Pedri’s dream pass.
After the break, no team was initially able to earn advantages. There were many ball relays in midfield, but also many inaccuracies and little speed. There were therefore hardly any chances – until Ronaldo met out of the crowd. The game now picked up speed again. Ronaldo left the field shortly before the end of the regular season. Yamal went out during the break of extension.