Fans Convinced Spain Goal in Nations League Final v Portugal Should Not Have Stood
Spain took control of their UEFA Nations League final against Portugal with a well-worked goal, which was finished by unlikely scorer Martin Zubimendi – but fans are convinced that the midfielder’s opener should have been ruled out after an offside call was missed.
On the front foot from the off, Spain charged forward just after the 20-minute mark as they looked to open the scoring and assert themselves as the favourites to retain their status as the champions of the international competition.
And that they did – Zubimendi passed the ball to Lamine Yamal on the right-hand side and then ventured into Portugal’s box. The teenage sensation’s teasing cross wreaked havoc and the ball ended up in the back of the net, yet fans were less than convinced of its legitimacy.
Fans Fuming Over Decision to Give Spain’s Opener vs Portugal
‘I’m confused? That’s textbook offside’
Yamal’s cross, which was delivered into a chaotic danger area, was first flicked on by goalscorer Zubimendi – but that’s not where the issue lies. His header was nodded into the vicinity of Mikel Oyarzabal, who was in an offside position.
The goal, however, stood after a thorough check by those in the VAR room – and Luis de la Fuente’s men, who are the reigning European champions, were jubilant at the fact they had taken the lead inside 21 minutes. Cristiano Ronaldo and Co, though, were peeved.
But those online were less than impressed with the decision to grant Spain an early lead. “Can someone explain how Spain’s goal wasn’t offside? The attacker was offside and forced the defender into that tackle. I’m confused? That’s textbook offside.”
Given that Oyarzabal was racing into a goalscoring position, one fan insisted that his run towards goal caused Manchester City and Portugal ace Dias to follow the runner, taking him out of Arsenal-linked Zubimendi’s then-simple route to goal.
“Spain are clearly being favoured man, that’s obviously offside he was interfering with play.”
“How is that Spanish goal not offside? Attacker clearly influenced the defender when in offside position. This is incredibly scandalous,” one supporter, on X (formerly Twitter) wrote as another one kept it short and simple by saying: “Comical.” Another wrote: “Can’t believe VAR didn’t disallow that Spain goal for offside.”