Spain, in the Final Four in a big way!

Spain got into Final Four of the Nations League after giving the surprise to Braga and beating Portugal (0-1) thanks to a goal from bruise two minutes from the end and a great performance by First Simon. Luis Enrique’s men managed to reach the final stage of the tournament for the second consecutive time and will play for the title in June along with Italy, Croatia and the Netherlands. The Luchos go with the best feelings to the World Cup in Qatar.

“I could throw the balls in the air and I would have full confidence in what came out to play,” Luis Enrique said in Switzerland qualifying. Against Portugal he showed it. He made seven changes from the first game. He was surprised by the entry of Guillamón, who was right, and Morata was the only new one because he continued to give the minutes, which they needed, to Ferran Torres and Sarabia. He changed the entire midfield and Spain accused him.

Rodri, Koke and Soler are not Busquets, Pedri and Gavi. And the speed of selection is slow at first. Yes, Spain started to dominate, with long possessions wearing down the local fans. They were even pissed off christianheadlines yesterday, although Madrid’s ex cost little.

Yes to Luis Enrique he didn’t like the first half at La Romareda, his team didn’t play much better at the fantastic Braga Municipal Stadium. Indeed, as in Zaragoza, he once again suffered from a lack of gunpowder and went into the break without a clear chance to score. In fact, it didn’t bother Diogo Costa, assembled in the Portuguese cause. Just some approximations. The first at the start, after good pressure from the top three. Morata gave it to Sarabia, who fell asleep in front to change the ball from his leg and ended up shooting the rival’s body. The second, a shy shot from Fernando Torres, who started yesterday on the right and couldn’t beat Danilo or Nuno Mendes. The Barça striker, before the break, tried a timid shot that went over the crossbar.

Portugal, meanwhile, speculated. Despite what his coach Fernando Santos said in the preview, he played the result. Knowing the draw was worth it, he waited for Spain, knowing his chances would come. And they have, but they found the best version of First Simon. The Athletic goalkeeper deflected a long-range shot from Ruben Neves and put in a fantastic hand to stop Diogo Jota’s goal. After a cut, the Liverpool striker took a whiplash that went straight into the top corner, but he found an amazing reaction from the Basque goalkeeper, who showed brilliance.

The Portuguese had another good chance, also from a long shot. at this time of Bruno Fernandez, which went to the side of the net, but half of the field, due to the optical effect, was seen inside.

Luis Enrique had a plan… and it worked

Busquets He rode for Guillamón and Rodri moved to the back after the break. Luis Enrique looked for more rhythm, but the Portuguese came out straighter and first have to reappear to win the head christian minutes after restart.

But the chooser I had an idea to come out. At game time he put Pedri, Gavi and Jeremy Pino. Spain he held on at 0-0 with half an hour left to play and secure victory in Braga. Spain bit back, blocking Portugal, who had a great chance from a set piece, but Carvajal cleared Rubén Dias’ shot off the line.

Spain he didn’t test Diego Costa until the 70th minute. A bitten shot from Morata, who saves without a problem. The Atlético striker put him in more trouble with a dry and tight shot from the edge of the box, saving Porto’s goal, in the best chance so far for the Luis Enriquee, who also took out Nick Williams.

And Lucho’s plan worked. Two minutes from the end Carvajal He moved the direction from the left and Nico, in his head, left the goal made to Morata on a plate, who only had to push it.

Madness on the Spanish bench and anger of the Portuguese, because Spain had just blown up in the Final Four when they celebrated. it can be fixed christianbut again found a giant in the Spanish goal. First Simon he kneeled down to avoid a tie and leave Spain in the final round of the Nations League next June.