Goncalo Guedes’s strike sealed the match as Portugal beat Netherlands 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League final.
Portugal sealed their second international trophy in three years by lifting the UEFA Euro in 2017 and now the UEFA Nations League 2019. The celebrations began at the Estádio do Dragão with the success for the home team, as captain Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the trophy.
Valencia winger Goncalo Guedes had the title sealed with a decisive strike in the 60th minute breaking the deadlock and winning it for Portugal. The Portugal defence remained strong and unbreakable throughout the game as the Dutch could only take 4 shots out of which 2 were on target but couldn’t go pass the Wolves Goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
Netherlands had the major possession in the game but could not go past the Portugal defence while Portugal were quick to break on counters. Portugal had 18 shot attempts out of which 9 were on target. The Dutch had their defence strong with Van Dijk and De ligt solving all the problems at back with ease, until De Ligt went ahead to tackle and miscued. Bernardo Silva bursted into the Dutch box and passed the ball to Guedes who was lightning quick to put the ball past Cillesen in the 60th minute.
? ＣＨＡＭＰＩＯＮＳ！
?? Portugal win the #NationsLeague! ???
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) June 9, 2019
The goal fumed the Dutch and they started attacking more with Depay coming deep to build the play. They introduced attacking substitutes Quincy Promes, Van De beek and Luuk De Jong and played long balls in the end quarter of the game causing much trouble in the Portuguese box.
Ruben Dias, the Portugal centre back was awarded Man of the Match for his solid performance at the back, keeping a much important clean sheet for the team.
Frenkie De Jong, the 21 year old Dutch midfielder won the Young Player of the Tournament award. Bernardo Silva won the Player of the Tournament. The Mancity star created the most chances in the whole tournament with 16.
Silva had the most take-ons with 15, the most tackles with 11, and the most assists with two. Silva had an extremely good season as he won the domestic treble with Manchester City, was awarded the Man City Player of the year, was in the Premier League Team of the season, and now winning the UEFA Nations League and being named the Player of the Tournament.