Spain Hold CR7's Portugal In Action-Packed Friendly
08 October, 2020
International Friendly
Result: Spain 0-0 Portugal
Date: 07 October 2020
Venue: Estádio José Alvalade
Portugal and Spain cannot be separated after an entertaining goalless draw on Wednesday evening in Lisbon.
The European champions made wholesale changes, with Ruben Neves and Renato Sanches partnering Joao Moutinho in midfield while Trincao and Andre Silva joined Cristiano Ronaldo in leading three.
Meanwhile, La Roja also shuffled the pack, with goalkeeper Kepa surprisingly getting the nod to get started on while their attack consisted of Rodrigo Moreno, Dani Olmo and Gerard Moreno.
The visitors got off to an instant start as Dani Olmo came near grabbing the lead in the next minute after well-worked move inside box but goalkeeper Rui Patricio was aware of make the save from point-blank range.
Fernando Santos' charges began to get into the game in the latter phase of the first stanza nonetheless they lacked the fluidity in attack as the first stanza ended without goals.
Portugal were fired up after break plus they were unlucky never to be ahead eight minutes into the second stanza after Ronaldo rattled the frame of the target with a thunderous strike from the left side of the box.
The hosts continued to place Spain under pressure and Sanchez had a wonderful chance to break the deadlock in the 67th minute after going clear on the proper side of the box but his powerful volley rattled the crossbar.
Adama Traore came near to getting an assist just after coming on for his debut in the last 17 minutes with a cut-back that found Olmo at the heart of the box however the RB Leipzig forward's first-time shot was kept out by the out-stretched leg of Patricio.
After Ronaldo was replaced by Joao Felix upfront in the closing phase, the young Portuguese attacker must have snatched the winner in stoppage time after a header found him unmarked at the back post but he could not react quick enough as the come across ended goalless.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za