The National Times - Spain's Yamal primed to 'prove' himself against 'legend' Ronaldo in Nations League final

Yamal scored twice and was named man of the match in a 5-4 win over the French in Stuttgart on Thursday, sealing progress to this weekend's Nations League final against their Iberian rivals.

A late French flourish obscured Spain's dominance, with La Roja cruising at 5-1 before dropping their intensity, allowing France to score three late goals.

As they did on their way to winning Euro 2024 in Germany last season, Spain's success was built on the foundation of wingers Yamal and Nico Williams.

Williams, who got a goal of his own and set up another, was man of the match in the 2-1 Euro 2024 final win over England.

Thursday's victory puts 2021 Nations League winners against Portugal, who won the competition in 2019.

"It's a special game, a final against a great team gives us extra motivation," Yamal told reporters.

"This is the kind of game I want to play, to prove who I am."

Still just 17, Yamal will face off against Portugal veteran Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 23 years his senior.

"He's a football legend," Yamal said.

"I, like all the players, have huge respect for Cristiano.

"I will do my job, which is to try to win, and that's it," he added.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said fans would see "two super powerful teams" on Sunday, adding "this could be a World Cup final.

"We're playing against one of the greats: Cristiano Ronaldo. Just his name stands out -- I have limitless admiration for him.

"It's really great to see a player at his age to keep playing and be as fit as he is. I admire him very much."

Mikel Merino, another Spanish goalscorer on Thursday, was confident.

"It's not our first final," he said.

"Munich brings us amazing memories from the European Championship.

"I'm very happy to be in another final is a huge accomplishment and hopefully we can win it again."

E.Reid--TNT