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A spectator died after falling from the stands during the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain in Munich.
UEFA Nations League trophy (AP/PTI)
A spectator died after falling from the stands at the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain in Munich on Sunday, UEFA confirmed to AFP subsidiary SID.
The fan fell from the central tier during the first period of extra time into the press box in the lower tier. Paramedics and police rushed to the scene to assist the fan.
A UEFA spokesperson stated there had been a “medical emergency” and confirmed that a fan had “sadly” died during the match.
Representatives from both teams expressed their sympathies after the match, which Portugal won 5-3 on penalties after the game ended 2-2.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed his condolences at the post-match press conference, saying, “I want to show my deepest condolences because a fan has died. It reminds us of what is important in life.”
A representative of the Portuguese team also offered condolences, stating the death “casts a shadow on our victory today.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez echoed these sentiments, calling it “extremely sad news.”
The supporter is estimated to have fallen around eight meters. The circumstances of the fall remain unclear.
How Portugal beat Spain
Ruben Neves scored the decisive penalty kick after Alvaro Morata’s miss, leading Portugal to a 5-3 shootout victory over Spain following a 2-2 draw in Munich on Sunday, securing their second Nations League title.
Portugal twice came from behind to equalize during regulation time. Martin Zubimendi exploited a lapse in Portugal’s defense to give Spain the lead after 21 minutes. Nuno Mendes leveled the score five minutes later.
Spain regained the lead just before halftime through Mikel Oyarzabal, who had previously scored in both the Euro 2024 final and the 2023 Nations League final. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been quiet until then, equalized in the 61st minute by adjusting quickly to a deflected Mendes cross, muscling past Marc Cucurella, and volleying the ball home.
Neves calmly scored the winning penalty in front of the Portugal fans. On the sidelines, the substituted Ronaldo couldn’t bear to watch and buried his face in a teammate’s back. Once Neves converted, the Portugal veteran fell to his knees and was embraced by players and staff.
(With AFP Inputs)
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