Portugal tighten grip in Nations League, but Spain stay alive

Sports Desk, Jun 9 (EFE).- Portugal defeated the Czech Republic 2-0 Thursday to consolidate their lead in Group 2 of Nations League tier A, but Spain are just 2 points back after posting their first victory of the campaign.

Only the group winner advances to the semifinal, while the team that finishes fourth will be relegated to League B.

The Portuguese, with Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting 11, dominated possession in Lisbon and goals by Joao Cancelo and Gonçalo Guedes in the space of five minutes after the half-hour mark put them in the driver’s seat.

Yet Portugal struggled in vain for a third goal and the Czechs might have tested the home side if second-half sub Vaclav Jurecka had been able to finish on either of the great scoring chances he created.

In Geneva, Pablo Sarabia’s goal in the 13th minute with an assist from Marcos Llorente proved to be enough for Spain to win for the first time after draws against Portugal and the Czech Republic.

EFE apa/dr