Spain failed to start the League of Nations mission with the victory. Alvaro Morata's goal gave Spain the lead in Thursday's match, but Ricardo Horta paid for Portugal at the last minute.
Morata put Spain ahead with a goal from a great counter-attack. Super star Cristiano Ronaldo came on as a substitute for Portugal in the second half of the match. However, instead of this superstar, another substitute Horta paid the goal for Portugal just eight minutes before the last whistle of the match.
This is Bragger's second chance to play for Portugal. He first got a chance in the national team eight years ago. The naturally striking striker said, 'I am proud. Today I have proved that I am worthy of being here. '
As the match ended in a 1-1 draw, neither of the two favorite teams in Group A could be in a favorable position at the start. The other two teams in the group are Switzerland and the Czech Republic. Spain will face the Czechs next Sunday and Portugal will face Switzerland.
Morata said, 'We got a good opportunity. But could not score. And they have brought equality. '
Both rivals are considered favorites to win the World Cup in Qatar later this year. However, this youthful team from Spain seems to be very energetic and competitive.
Morata has reached the seventh position in the list of top scorers for Spain. However, 17-year-old Gavi gave him the ball. The Barcelona midfielder showed great skill on Thursday. Which impressed coach Luis Enrique.
"I think he is still a stranger in Spanish football," he said. Not only sound education but his alertness and dedication too are most required. He can score goals, both legs are equally effective. This is a great thing.
Spain also played in the final of the last edition of the League of Nations. European champions Italy lost in the semi-finals but lost to world champions France in the final. As the top team in Group B of the World Cup qualifiers, they easily secured the final. The team got 19 points out of possible 24.
However, Portugal had to play a play-off to ensure the World Cup.
Spain went ahead with a great attack in the 25th minute of the match. The teen age cow passed the ball from midfield to the feet of Pablo Sarabia. Sarabia drove it to Morata, where he scored a low shot without interruption.
After four minutes the interval could be doubled. However, the goalkeeper blocked the shot of Carlos Solre. The Valencia midfielder got the ball back and blew it in the second attempt. Portugal faded in the first half and put up a great fight in the second half. Rafael Leao failed again after getting a good chance in the 59th minute. Horta came on as a substitute for Leao in the 62nd minute. He scored a goal in the 72nd minute to avoid the loss of the team and also made the return memorable. From the right side, Huao Cancello's great cross got the ball in the gap in the box and in the low shot, the footballer made the team happy. This is Horta's first goal for the national team. As a result, Spain was forced to leave the field with a draw.
The Czech Republic beat Switzerland 2-1 at home in another group match on Thursday.