Portugal – Spain: Seleção Stop Spanish Conquest (2-2, 5-3 After Penalties)

With the world at the feet of their teenage sensation, Spain were setting their sights on dynastic dominance through a triumph in this all-Iberian affair. But it was not to be. Portugal pitched in across two hours of football to fight for the trophy and took the bragging rights back home.

Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Spain are still the side to beat. When Luis de la Fuente filed up the next rung of the federation, filling the role of first team manager, no one foresaw the triumphs that have accompanied him in the role. But his stint has been an unquestionable success. First came the victory in the 2023 Nations League final over Croatia, then the reclamation of the continental crown through EURO 2024. Now, they are on the cusp of keeping that first title and topping off an era unparalleled since the start of the 2010s.

Could Portugal pop those ambitions? They were in the mood to take away the pain of the past, having gotten the better of hosts Germany in the second half for a 2-1 win . . .