Portugal and Spain will go head-to-head in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday at the Allianz Arena, with both sides looking to become the first nation to win the tournament twice.
Roberto Martinez's side claimed a historic 2-1 win over Germany in their semi-final thanks to goals from Francisco Conceicao and Cristiano Ronaldo, while Ivan De La Fuente's side claimed a sensational 5-4 win over France thanks to Lamine Yamal (2), Nico Williams, Mikel Merino and Pedri's goals.
Both sides will want to be successful and that leaves the managers with some decisions to make, and this is how GIVEMESPORT expect the teams to line up.
Portugal were good against Germany even without Vitinha from the start and with Joao Neves playing out of position at right-back, so Martinez is likely to make minor changes to the side as a result.
But Vitinha and goalscorer Conceicao did more than enough to push for a start, which could see £300,000-a-week Man City star Bernardo Silva and £280,000-a-week Al-Hilal star Ruben Neves benched.
| Portugal Injuries and Suspensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Injury | Potential Return Date |
| N/A | N/A | N/A |
Speaking ahead of the game, Martinez shared an update on his squad.
"The starting eleven played a fantastic game, with control and then the three who came on gave us what we wanted: to reach the final third more, to control Germany's game more. We played a good game from minute zero to the last, but different. Getting to the goal more in the second half was the objective and that's what we work on, having players with different skills, creating connections during the game.
"Spain is not Germany, it has the details of the best team in the world but there are no perfect teams. We're going up against a team that is the European champion, won the Nations League, with a coach who created a club atmosphere. I don't see any negative aspects, I see that in football every team has strengths and weaknesses.
"There is a sentimental aspect, of course, I am Spanish, but that is a conversation to have with my grandchildren in 10, 15 years. The focus is on winning the final. Normality and working well to prepare for the game of a final that will be the fourth in Portugal's history. Because of this responsibility, we have to give our best."
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Cristiano Ronaldo breaks another goalscoring record as Portugal reach Nations League final
Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years as he led Portugal to a 2-1 comeback win over Germany to book their place in Sunday's Nations League final. Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz had put the hosts ahead, but Francisco Conceicao's leveller and Ronaldo's winner five minutes later sealed a brilliant victory for the visitors. Ronaldo's goal saw him break the record for the most goals in a single Nations League A campaign, having notched seven strikes. That is one more than previous joint-holders Romelu Lukaku and Ferran Torres managed in the 2021/2022 campaign. However, it is three fewer than Viktor Gyokeres managed as Sweden won promotion from Nations League C this year. It is the second Nations League final Portugal have reached. It is the first time Portugal have beaten Germany in any competition for 25 years.
Spain will come into this game with no fresh concerns after the win over France, and Ivan De La Fuente could opt for an unchanged side as a result.
Dani Vivian struggled off the bench and is unlikely to start, although Pau Cubarsi could come in alongside Dean Huijsen as a centre-back. Dani Olmo and Fabian Ruiz are also pushing for starts in midfield, while Alvaro Morata could start up front.
| Spain Injuries and Suspensions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | Injury | Potential Return Date |
| Rodri | Knee | 14/06/2025 |
| Alejandro Balde | Knock | Unknown |
Speaking ahead of the game, De La Fuente shared an update on his squad.
"Everyone is available for tomorrow's game. We can make changes or not, but, in any case, the team we are going to put out is very good.
"Lamine Yamal is a very young boy, but with a maturity that is not typical of his age. He is living this moment with peace of mind and we want it to continue being that way, supporting him at all times.
"We knew how tough this competition would be from the very beginning. There are very powerful teams, four of the five best in Europe.
"Portugal is a very powerful team, you just have to look at the quality of the players in the squad. We have a similar footballing idea, but we will try to surprise them and control the game."
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