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Yahoo
10-06-2025
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Huijsen recalls Mourinho and idol Sergio Ramos as he is introduced by Real Madrid
Portugal's Vitinha, center left, challenges Spain's Dean Huijsen during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal's Francisco Conceicao, right, challenges Spain's Dean Huijsen during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's Pedro Neto, right, challenges Spain's Dean Huijsen during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal's Pedro Neto, right, challenges Spain's Dean Huijsen during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal's Vitinha, center left, challenges Spain's Dean Huijsen during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal's Francisco Conceicao, right, challenges Spain's Dean Huijsen during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's Pedro Neto, right, challenges Spain's Dean Huijsen during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) MADRID (AP) — Dean Huijsen thanked former coach Jose Mourinho and talked about his "idol" Sergio Ramos as the center back was introduced by Real Madrid in what he called 'the best day" of his life on Tuesday. The 20-year-old Spain international was signed by Madrid from Bournemouth in May to give the Spanish powerhouse its first reinforcement for next season. He signed a five-year deal after Madrid activated the player's 50-million pound (then $66.4 million) buyout clause. Advertisement 'It's the best day of my life,' he said. "It's a dream to be here, and I'm going to give everything for the team. For me, Real Madrid is the best club in the world, and there is no other team like it.' Huijsen thanked Mourinho for bringing him to Roma on a loan from Juventus in January 2024. 'I was at Christmas dinner with my family when Mourinho called," he said. "When he calls, you have to listen. He's one of the greatest in the history of soccer, and I'm very grateful to him.' Mourinho had called Huijsen one of the 'best prospects in European soccer.' The young defender, who earned a first call-up by Spain for the Nations League playoffs in March, said he received a message from former Madrid star Ramos when his signing was made official. Advertisement 'He's my biggest idol, the best center back in history,' Huijsen said. "I admire everything about him, he's the most complete center back. My first fond memory is the final of the (Champions league in 2014), when he scored in the last minute of added time. I was 9 years old.' Huijsen said he already talked with new team coach Xabi Alonso about his roles with the club that needs to rebuild a defense after multiple injuries to its backline during a mostly disappointing 2024-25 season. 'We talked a little about what he expects from me. I think it's going to be a great few years,' Huijsen said. "I think I fit in very well with the style of football Xabi wants to play. I'm going to try to contribute as much as I can, and I'll be delighted to help.' The highly rated defender was being sought after by other clubs in the Premier League after his standout season with Bournemouth. The skilled Dutch-born center back joined the Premier League team from Juventus for a reported 12.5 million pounds (then $16.6 million) in the offseason last year. He was a regular for Bournemouth since breaking into the team in November. ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
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Spain tries to stay upbeat after shootout loss to Portugal in Nations League final
Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente gestures during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente shake hands with Spain's Lamine Yamal after the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Spain's players react during the penalty shootout during the Nations League soccer championship at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Spain's players react during the penalty shootout during the Nations League soccer championship at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente gestures during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Spain's head coach Luis de la Fuente shake hands with Spain's Lamine Yamal after the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Spain's players react during the penalty shootout during the Nations League soccer championship at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) MADRID (AP) — As Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the Nations League trophy and his Portugal teammates celebrated behind him, Spain's players watched in clear disappointment. There was no major letdown after the penalty shootout defeat in Sunday's final in Munich, though. There were no calls for a coaching change. There was no blaming of players who underperformed. Advertisement The feeling was that Spain is still on the right track. Before leaving the field, coach Luis de la Fuente gathered his players and made sure they remained upbeat and ready to start focusing on next year's World Cup. 'It was time to remind them that we have to be proud of this team, of what we have been doing," De la Fuente said. 'I reminded the players that I'm proud to have them in the team. Now we have to start focusing on the World Cup. I'm still counting on every one of them, on those who were here and those who couldn't come this time.' Spain is the European champion and as a nation has been enjoying one of its best runs in international soccer. The women's team is the World Cup and Nations League champion. La Roja also won the men's Olympic tournament in France last year, as well as the 2023 Nations League. Advertisement 'You can't question what this team has been achieving," De la Fuente said. "It has been defining an era, a style, and it will continue to do so, not because of me, but because of the players that we have.' After beating France 5-4 in the Nations League semifinals last week, Spain lost the final 5-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw following extra time. Striker Álvaro Morata was the only player to miss his spot kick. 'Morata is a champion and a reference for us,' De la Fuente said. 'I'm responsible for his missed kick because I'm the one who asked him to take the shot.' Martín Zubimendi (21 minutes) and Mikel Oyazarbal (45) twice gave Spain the lead but Portugal rallied with goals by Nuno Mendes in the 26th and Ronaldo in the 61st. Advertisement 'We have to overcome this defeat as best we can and value the positive momentum we have had in recent years," Zubimendi said. 'This time we let the title slip away because of details. We have to keep our feet on the ground. We have been used to winning. Since I joined the national team I've only experienced positive things.' De la Fuente took over from Luis Enrique following defeat to Morocco in the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He recently had his contract renewed by the Spanish soccer federation until 2028 and the next Euros. He is leading a team with a bright future thanks to young stars such as 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams, Pedri, Gavi, Dean Huijsen and Pau Cubarsí. Spain's next match is in Bulgaria on Sept. 4 in the World Cup qualifiers. ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Sport
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Germany reassesses World Cup prospects after being taught lessons by France and Portugal
Germany players pose for the team picture ahead of the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Portugal and Germany at the Munich Football Arena, in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann gestures during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Portugal and Germany at the Munich Football Arena, in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Germany's Joshua Kimmich fails to stop the ball from going over the line during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Portugal and Germany at the Munich Football Arena, in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Germany's Jonathan Tah, center, Joshua Kimmich, right, and Aleksandar Pavlovic are dejected after Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo scored his side's second goal during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Portugal and Germany at the Munich Football Arena, in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Germany players leave the field at the end of the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Portugal and Germany at the Munich Football Arena, in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Germany players leave the field at the end of the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Portugal and Germany at the Munich Football Arena, in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Germany players pose for the team picture ahead of the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Portugal and Germany at the Munich Football Arena, in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Germany's head coach Julian Nagelsmann gestures during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Portugal and Germany at the Munich Football Arena, in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Germany's Joshua Kimmich fails to stop the ball from going over the line during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Portugal and Germany at the Munich Football Arena, in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Germany's Jonathan Tah, center, Joshua Kimmich, right, and Aleksandar Pavlovic are dejected after Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo scored his side's second goal during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Portugal and Germany at the Munich Football Arena, in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Germany players leave the field at the end of the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Portugal and Germany at the Munich Football Arena, in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) BERLIN (AP) — Two defeats and last place in a mini-tournament it expected to win have dealt Germany a cold dose of reality ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Nations League final four in Germany was supposed to show Julian Nagelsmann's team can count itself among Europe's best, but a 2-1 loss to Portugal in Munich followed by a 2-0 defeat to France in Stuttgart instead revealed a gulf in class. Advertisement It showed that tournament-winner Portugal, beaten finalist Spain – the European champion – and a talent-packed France team are among the favorites with defending champion Argentina to win soccer's biggest prize next year. Nagelsmann was keen to highlight the positives, noting that Germany dominated and created a host of chances in the first half against France on Sunday – but counterpart Didier Deschamps had already said what little importance he gave the third-place decider, and it was clear which side was more motivated in front of the Stuttgart fans. Kylian Mbappé scored before the break and set up Michael Olise for the second goal as Les Bleus shook off their apathy in the second half and might have scored more. 'If you look at the first half, honestly, they were not bothered about winning. But they still won,' Germany captain Joshua Kimmich said. Advertisement Germany's forwards were simply not as clinical as France's. It was a similar tale against Portugal, which rallied to beat Germany on Wednesday. Portugal coach Roberto Martínez changed the game when he introduced substitutes Vitinha, Francisco Conceição and Nelson Semedo in the second half, and Germany needed goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen at his best to stop the visitors scoring any more. Coach Nagelsmann pointed to the injury-enforced absences from his team – Jamal Musiala, Angelo Stiller, Kai Havertz, Antonio Rüdiger, Nico Schlotterbeck, Tim Kleindienst, Jonathan Burkardt and Yann Aurel Bisseck. Advertisement But France was also without key players like Ousmane Dembélé and Eduardo Camavinga while Deschamps had to do without three of his preferred four-man backline – William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Jules Koundé. Even with a full-strength squad, it's debatable whether Germany can match its rivals' strength in depth when it comes to player development and the quality of youngsters coming through. Nine players in Spain coach Luis de la Fuente's Nations League squad are young enough to play at the Under-21 European Championship starting Wednesday in Slovakia. Star player Lamine Yamal is just 17 while Real Madrid's new signing Dean Huijsen looked like he'd been playing for Spain for years. The final was just his fourth appearance. Advertisement 'It's quite clear, when it comes to the depth of the squad, that we have to abandon the illusion of getting it sorted out in a year,' Nagelsmann said. 'We have a few positions in German soccer that are given too little attention.' Nagelsmann pointed to Spain's use of wide players in attack – like Yamal or Nico Williams – and said Germany's dearth of wing backs had been a problem for years. Kimmich has been deployed at right back when his favored position is in midfield. 'Right now we're looking at what's important to see where we are in the world, what we need for the future, and to learn the right lessons from that,' Nagelsmann said. 'It would be nice if we could get one or two of the players up to speed by next year, but of course that's a limited window of opportunity.' The 37-year-old Nagelsmann appealed for patience from journalists, saying he was sure with the players he has that they 'will play a very, very good (World Cup) qualifying campaign and a very, very good tournament' in the United States, Mexico and Canada next summer. Advertisement Nagelsmann then attempted to push some of the responsibility onto the media. 'You have to have a bit of trust and pull the handbrake a bit,' he said. 'You're in the same boat.' ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
08-06-2025
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AP PHOTOS: Portugal beats Spain to win the Nations League
Spain's Lamine Yamal walks past the trophy after received his second place medal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with Portugal coach Roberto Martinez after the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Spain's Pedri, left, and Spain's Fabian Ruiz, right, challenge Portugal's Pedro Neto during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Spain during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Spain's Lamine Yamal falls during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Portugal's Rafael Leao, left, is fouled by Spain's Robin Le Normand during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Nations League soccer championship at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, top, heads the ball next to Spain's Robin Le Normand during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Spain's Martin Zubimendi celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Portugal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa makes a save against Spain's Alvaro Morata during the penalty shootout of the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal's Nuno Mendes, left, celebrates with Portugal's Francisco Conceicao after scoring his sides first goal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal's Renato Veiga celebrates after winning the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal, back, scores his side's 2nd goal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's fans celebrate after the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal, right, scores his side's 2nd goal against Portugal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Spain's Martin Zubimendi celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo lies on the ground during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Spain's Martin Zubimendi, front, celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Portugal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa makes a save against Spain's Alvaro Morata in the penalty shootout of the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (Christian Charisius, dpa via AP) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with teammates after winning the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa makes a save against Spain's Alvaro Morata in the penalty shootout of the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, right, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Spain during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Portugal's Bruno Fernandes, right, challenges Spain's Martin Zubimendi during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal's Vitinha falls challenged by Spain's Pedri during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo holds the trophy after winning the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with teammates after winning the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa stops a penalty shot by Spain's Alvaro Morata during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Portugal's players celebrate after winning the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Portugal's players celebrate after winning the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Spain's Lamine Yamal walks past the trophy after received his second place medal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with Portugal coach Roberto Martinez after the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Spain's Pedri, left, and Spain's Fabian Ruiz, right, challenge Portugal's Pedro Neto during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Spain during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Spain's Lamine Yamal falls during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Portugal's Rafael Leao, left, is fouled by Spain's Robin Le Normand during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Nations League soccer championship at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, top, heads the ball next to Spain's Robin Le Normand during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Spain's Martin Zubimendi celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Portugal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa makes a save against Spain's Alvaro Morata during the penalty shootout of the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal's Nuno Mendes, left, celebrates with Portugal's Francisco Conceicao after scoring his sides first goal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal's Renato Veiga celebrates after winning the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal, back, scores his side's 2nd goal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's fans celebrate after the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal, right, scores his side's 2nd goal against Portugal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Spain's Martin Zubimendi celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo lies on the ground during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Spain's Martin Zubimendi, front, celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Portugal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa makes a save against Spain's Alvaro Morata in the penalty shootout of the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (Christian Charisius, dpa via AP) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with teammates after winning the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa makes a save against Spain's Alvaro Morata in the penalty shootout of the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, right, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Spain during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Portugal's Bruno Fernandes, right, challenges Spain's Martin Zubimendi during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal's Vitinha falls challenged by Spain's Pedri during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo holds the trophy after winning the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates with teammates after winning the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Monday, June 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa stops a penalty shot by Spain's Alvaro Morata during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Portugal's players celebrate after winning the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Probst) Portugal overcame Spain in penalties to win the Nations League final in Munich, Germany, after a 2-2 score in regulation — with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Nuno Mendes, Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal. In the shootout, midfielder Rúben Neves drilled home the decisive spot kick, making it 5-3. This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors. ___ AP soccer:
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Yamal outshines Ballon d'Or contenders as Spain beats France 5-4 in Nations League semifinal
Spain's Pedri, center, scores his side's fourth goal during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Spain and France in Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (Bernd Weissbrod/dpa via AP) France's Malo Gusto in action in front of Spain's Samu Aghehowa during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Spain and France in Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Spain's Pedri celebrates after scoring during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Spain and France in Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Spain's Lamine Yamal scores by France's Clement Lenglet during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Spain and France in Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Spain's Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring his side's third goal against France during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Spain and France at the MHPArena, in Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Spain's Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring his side's third goal against France during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Spain and France at the MHPArena, in Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Spain's Pedri, center, scores his side's fourth goal during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Spain and France in Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (Bernd Weissbrod/dpa via AP) France's Malo Gusto in action in front of Spain's Samu Aghehowa during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Spain and France in Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Spain's Pedri celebrates after scoring during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Spain and France in Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Spain's Lamine Yamal scores by France's Clement Lenglet during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Spain and France in Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader) Spain's Lamine Yamal celebrates after scoring his side's third goal against France during the Nations League semifinal soccer match between Spain and France at the MHPArena, in Stuttgart, Germany, Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Lamine Yamal won the battle of Ballon d'Or contenders on Thursday by scoring twice as Spain eclipsed France 5-4 in their Nations League semifinal. The 17-year-old Yamal outshone French counterparts Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé as Spain initially ran riot against Didier Deschamps' tired-looking team to book its place in Sunday's final against Portugal. Advertisement Portugal defeated host nation Germany 2-1 on Wednesday. Thursday's game had been billed as a contest between young stars, but it was clear that Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League win in Munich on Saturday had added more weight to French legs with PSG stars Doué and Dembélé disappointing. Kylian Mbappé scored what seemed a consolation from a penalty, substitute Rayan Cherki scored late on his France debut, then Spain defender Daniel Vivian conceded an own goal, and Randal Kolo Muani, another substitute, scored in stoppage time as France came close to an improbable comeback. Nico Williams opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after Yamal threaded the ball through to Mikel Oyarzabal, who held off two defenders and served it on a plate for Williams to rifle to the roof of the net. Advertisement Mikel Merino, the hero when Spain last played in Stuttgart, made it 2-0 three minutes later after playing a one-two with Oyarzabal. Théo Hernandez struck the crossbar and Spain needed goalkeeper Unai Simón to deny Doué, then Mbappé and Dembélé. But Spain looked capable of scoring at any time. Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen thought he'd scored spectacularly after a brilliantly worked free kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside. It was the 20-year-old Huijsen's third game for Spain. It looks like he's set to stay. Adrien Rabiot conceded a penalty for a mistimed challenge on Yamal, who dusted himself off to make it 3-0 from the spot in the 54th. Advertisement Pedri scored a minute after that, taking Williams' pass with his first touch and dinking it past the bewildered Mike Maignan with his next. Pedro Porro's foul gave Mbappé his chance from the penalty, but Yamal replied to that by prodding the ball past Maignan. ___ AP soccer:
