Alvaro Morata struck late to send Spain into the Nations League semi-finals at the expense of group leaders Portugal on an entertaining night in Braga.
The hosts needed only a point after the complexion of the group had changed following their win over Czech Republic and Spain’s loss to Switzerland last time out, looking good value for it for much of the game.
While the away side saw plenty of the ball, a lack of incision saw the game largely played in front of a resolute Portuguese defence. Still, even despite the attacking talent on the pitch, this was a game of few genuine clear-cut chances.
The best of them came to both Morata and Cristiano Ronaldo. The latter, perhaps due to a lack of consistent game time at Manchester United squandered a number of opportunities, striking Unai Simon when through on goal.
Morata, not exactly the most fearsome striker on the planet, did manage to prove clinical at the death. Following the introduction of Nico Williams, Spain exploited gaps in the home side’s backline and it was the youngster’s header into Morata’s path that set-up the goal, a powerful finish from inside the 6-yard box with an open goal at his mercy.
