MY ACCOUNT
Luis Enrique says Spain will be treating Tuesday’s Nations League group decider against Portugal as if it is a World Cup quarter-final.
La Roja lock horns with the Euro 2016 champions in the Group A2 finale in Braga, with the visitors needing to win to secure their place in next year’s finals.
Spain’s chances of finishing at the group summit were dented following a 2-1 defeat against Switzerland on Saturday, while Portugal leapfrogged them after running out 4-0 winners against the Czech Republic.
Nevertheless, Luis Enrique remains optimistic about his nation’s scenario, which he likened to preparing for a World Cup knockout tie.
“It’s a final and we’re thinking about it that way. It’s positive to have reached matchday six with the possibility of being champions,” he said at Monday’s pre-match press conference.
“We put it as if it were the quarter-finals of Qatar. It’s 90 minutes and it’s only worth winning – not even a draw is useful.
“We have always defined [Portugal] as very talented and with an outstanding physical presence. They have already conquered very important things, and the evolution of the teams is usually measured by what they win.”
