Pedro Neto has made it two European trophies in just as many weeks, after helping Portugal to the UEFA Nations League title on Sunday night in Munich.
Neto matched up directly against Marc Cucurella on the wing, and both had decisive roles in the outcome.
Neto set up Portugal’s first equalizer (finished off by the excellent Nuno Mendes) while Cucurella was beaten quite badly for their second by the ageless Cristiano Ronaldo.
Neto played all but the second period of extra time, while Cucurella was out there for the full 120.
Also, Earlier in the day, Malo Gusto started for France in the third-place game, and helped them dispatch Germany, 2-0.
On Sunday night in Munich, Pedro Neto helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League title, making it two European trophies in as many weeks.
Portugal came back twice in regulation before winning it with a set of five flawless spot kicks, but there was still a lot of drama, effort, and emotion on display from both teams despite the competition being clearly second-rate (sort of). Regretfully, and completely as expected, the only player to miss in the shootout was former Chelsea shrinking violet Álvaro Morata. Big man, calm down!
On the wing, Neto faced Marc Cucurella head-to-head, and both players were instrumental in the result. The outstanding Nuno Mendes completed Portugal’s first equalizer, which Neto had set up, while the timeless Cristiano Ronaldo soundly defeated Cucurella for their second. The fact that he beat Michael Essien in the air during the 2008 Champions League final still haunts me, so while Cucu isn’t in bad company, he ought to have performed much better in that match.
For much of the game, Spain appeared to be winning, but, similar to the semifinals, they allowed their opponents to rally (perhaps by keeping Pedri in the game?). They are clearly still the favorites for the World Cup next year, but their winning streak now stands at 19.
Cucurella was out there for the entire 120 minutes, while Neto played all but the second period of extra time. Manager Roberto Martínez once again did not use João Félix as a substitute, despite Renato Veiga playing the last 15 minutes of regulation and twice another 15 minutes in extra time. During the shootout, neither Veiga nor Cucu took a penalty.
Malo Gusto also started for France earlier in the day, helping them defeat Germany 2-0 in the match for third place.
