Portugal is intensively preparing for the Nations League final against Spain, set for Sunday in Munich. Young player João Neves has acknowledged the challenges of the match but assured that the team will be ready.
At just 20 years old, Neves is living a dream, embodying the promising talent of this generation of Portuguese players. While Spain is often admired for its own strong generation, Portuguese players have noted weaknesses in their rivals.
“We haven’t discussed in detail what we can do against Spain yet, but I believe we will in the coming days. They are a very strong team with a lot of potential, but we will focus on our strengths,” Neves said during a pre-match press conference, adding that he expects a “difficult and balanced” game.
Should Portugal win the trophy, Neves humorously ruled out performing a somersault in celebration, an act he previously regretted after the Champions League victory. “I shouldn’t have done it. My back still hurts,” he quipped.
It’s noteworthy that just a year after facing criticism for his decision to leave Benfica, many viewed as hasty, Neves now stands on the brink of potentially celebrating both a Champions League title and a Nations League trophy within the same week in Munich. This speaks volumes about his growth and resilience in a competitive environment.
As the final approaches, excitement builds around the Portuguese squad, with a sense of optimism regarding their potential to make history.