Morata late goal sends Spain to Nations League finals

Spain have confirmed their place in the 2022-23 UEFA Nations League semi-finals thanks to a 1-0 win over Portugal at the Estadio Municipal de Braga.

The Spanish side with the need of a win, struggled to take control of the game and it was actually Portugal who went close to score in the first half.

Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota forced Unai Simon to two great saves and Bruno Fernandes unleashied a fierce shot from distance which looked to be sailing into the top corner only to ripple the side netting.

After the break, Cristiano Ronaldo was close to put his nation ahead, but the Spanish goalkeeper made himself big and pulled off a fantastic one-on-one save.

On the hour-mark, Luis Enrique made three changes and the game switched massively to visitors' favour as they became more dangerous.

Spain pressed hard for a winner late on, which they got it in 88th minute when substitute Nico Williams nodded across goal and found Morata, who slotted home into an empty net, silencing most of the sold-out stadium.

With this win, Spain finished top of League A-Group 2 on 11 points from six games, one point above second-placed Portugal who only needed a draw to secure a place in the semi-finals.

The Spaniards join Croatia, Italy and the Netherlands in next year's finals tournament.

⏰ RESULTS ⏰

Spain join Croatia, Italy & Netherlands in the finals! 🥳#NationsLeague

— UEFA Nations League (@EURO2024) September 27, 2022