Ronaldo’s drama

Here’s how it turned out, in Group A of the Nations League, to be an impressive denouement.

Following Italy, the Netherlands and Croatia, the Spanish team becomes the last team in the Nations League Final Four.

The Spaniards did well in the final round. They beat Portugal. And they did it perfectly.

The Spaniards possessed the ball as much as possible.

A few days earlier, the Swiss had unexpectedly beaten the Spanish Red Fury on their own turf.

Portugal dared to play the Spanish in the same way.

The Spaniards still lacked a bit of pressure. Even when Alvaro Morata, the team’s centre-forward, attacked with enviable speed and focus.

The Portuguese defended in every way possible. Of course, all hope lay with Cristiano Ronaldo. The young Spanish centre-back Guillamona was yellow-carded at his hands. But there was nothing else Ronaldo could do.

One moment for Ronaldo was when the Spaniards began to counterattack quickly after a standard reception by the Portuguese.

Yes, Cristiano’s speed is not what it used to be. Therefore, he only had enough to earn a corner, he didn’t shoot towards the goal, he didn’t give a pass for a shot.

Spain took two shots in the first half. And while it did nothing, in principle, its opponents did keep Unai Simon at bay.

There was a moment when the referee spotted Bruno Fernandes’ foul, after which the hosts made a counter-attack. The Spaniards were just lucky.

In the next half, Ronaldo had a goal opportunity. But he didn’t take advantage of the situation. And he couldn’t bring his team back into the game. And what a moment!!!

Oh, Ronaldo! What a shame!

The Spaniards kept their torrid game going. They couldn’t control the ball, they couldn’t press. Nothing was happening for Luis Enrique’s team in general.

But the Portuguese kept an ear to the ground and used the mistakes of their opponents to their advantage.

Somewhere midway through the second half, Ronaldo was given a pass that was completely free. It seemed that there was a chance for a goal!

But, Cristiano didn’t hit the ball straight at goal and got busy handling the ball – why? The Spanish defender was much more swift and agile – he got the ball away.

Ronaldo was angered that his team-mates failed to notify him of his opponent’s close-range position. And he himself was reluctant to assess the situation.

The Portuguese had hoped to win the group with a zero draw. But those hopes were dashed in the 88th minute.

The decisive goal was scored by Alvaro Morato after a successful pass from Nico Williams. From the right flank, Daniel Carvajal headed the ball into the far corner of the goal. After that, Nico Williams headed a header past Alvaro Morata. He sent the ball into an empty net corner from close range.

A frustrated Ronaldo simply waved his hand towards his team-mates.

Cristiano must admit that his play, in this match, was not up to his level of skill.

Manchester United’s attacker had a chance to save the team, but ….

Thanks to their cohesive performance and victory in this game, the Spaniards were semi-finalists in the tournament.

In this tournament in particular, Ronaldo was expected to play more effectively, with quicker decisions and sharper movements. But he did very little more than that. Ronaldo has converted just one penalty of the ten games he has played this season.

The result is well-known and disappointing. 4-2 in favour of the Portuguese.

And Spain didn’t score once. But the Portuguese did it twice.

In the next half, everything looked as if it had been the same. Luis Enrique’s decision to restructure the game earlier succeeded as well as possible.

A draw suited the Portuguese. It wasn’t enough for the Spaniards. Portugal, though, looked a lot better.

Enrique’s triple change followed by Williams’ exit. All this turned the tide smoothly.

Spain’s pressure became much more pronounced and strong.

The exit of a few players, almost, did not turn out to be capable.

More than others, it was Williams who stepped up, playing the main game in the 88th minute of the match.

He made a very technical pass to the free-kick. And Alvaro was brilliant.

So, the Portuguese have lost everything they tried to save. It was obvious, especially at the end, when they squeezed hard in anticipation of the final whistle.

The fact that the Spaniards were leading the group was a psychological blow for the Portuguese.

So, the foursome was formed and they would play for the title.