Ronaldo Scores in Portugal's Nations League Win as Spain Sink Denmark

Cristiano Ronaldo (R) scored his 133rd international goal in Portugal's win over Poland. Sergei GAPON / AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo (R) scored his 133rd international goal in Portugal's win over Poland. Sergei GAPON / AFP
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Ronaldo Scores in Portugal's Nations League Win as Spain Sink Denmark

Cristiano Ronaldo (R) scored his 133rd international goal in Portugal's win over Poland. Sergei GAPON / AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo (R) scored his 133rd international goal in Portugal's win over Poland. Sergei GAPON / AFP

Cristiano Ronaldo scored as Portugal beat Poland 3-1 for their third straight Nations League win on Saturday, while European champions Spain put an end to Denmark's perfect start in the competition.
Bernardo Silva volleyed Portugal ahead in the 26th minute in Warsaw as Bruno Fernandes cleverly nodded a cross from Ruben Neves back towards the Manchester City midfielder, reported AFP.
Ronaldo then found himself in the right place at the right time to turn in the rebound for Portugal's second after Rafael Leao's shot came back off the post following a brilliant surging run by the AC Milan winger.
The 39-year-old Ronaldo has now struck in all three games of this Nations League campaign for Portugal, taking his record men's international goals tally to 133.
Piotr Zielinski cut the deficit for Poland but Jan Bednarek's own goal sealed victory for Portugal, the lone remaining team in League A with a 100 percent record, and they could secure a place in the quarter-finals next week.
"We worked very hard the last few days, preparing various solutions for this game, and we were able to show it on the pitch. I am really satisfied because we controlled this game," said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.
"We played great as a team."
Portugal have a maximum nine points in Group A1, three ahead of Croatia who beat Scotland 2-1 to condemn their opponents to a third successive defeat in the section.
Ryan Christie's first half-goal gave Scotland a shock lead in Zagreb, but Igor Matanovic equalized before the interval and Andrej Kramaric bagged the winner midway through the second half.
Che Adams thought he had salvaged a stoppage-time equalizer but VAR disallowed his effort for offside, with Scotland winless in nine competitive outings -- the longest run in their history.
Zubimendi wins it for Spain
Spain needed a 79th-minute effort from Martin Zubimendi to shrug off Denmark 1-0 in Murcia as captain Alvaro Morata showed off the European Championship trophy to fans before kick-off.
The hosts were without Rodri and Dani Carvajal, both sidelined by long-term injuries, with first-choice goalkeeper Unai Simon still recovering from wrist surgery. Nico Williams, Dani Olmo and Robin Le Normand had also been ruled out.
But Luis de la Fuente's team grabbed the only goal when Zubimendi's low drive from just outside the area squirmed past Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who had earlier denied Lamine Yamal and Alvaro Morata.
"I'm very happy with the goal, but above all in such a close game in which we had to open the scoring," said Real Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi.
"He doesn't score many but he's starting to so I hope he continues like this," said De la Fuente. "He's one of the best players in the world in his position."
Spain moved up to seven points, one above Denmark, with Serbia picking up their first win after beating Switzerland 2-0 in Leskovac.
Serbia led through Nico Elvedi's own goal in first-half stoppage time and Aleksandar Mitrovic doubled the advantage before Predrag Rajkovic saved a penalty from Swiss striker Breel Embolo.
Both games in Group C3 finished goalless as Bulgaria were held at home by Luxembourg and Northern Ireland drew against Belarus on neutral ground in Hungary.
Romania eased to a 3-0 win away to Cyprus in Group C2, while Kosovo beat Lithuania 2-1.



Tien, Fonseca Set for Final Showdown at Next Generation ATP Finals in Jeddah

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
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Tien, Fonseca Set for Final Showdown at Next Generation ATP Finals in Jeddah

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)

American Learner Tien and Brazilian João Fonseca advanced on Saturday to the final of the Next Generation ATP Finals.

The event, which will be held at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah on Sunday, is being organized by the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), sponsored by the Public Investment Fund, and held under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport.

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. This was Tien’s first appearance in the final of a professional tournament outside the US.

In the second semifinal, Brazilian João Fonseca earned his spot in the final by defeating France's Luca Van Assche in straight sets. Fonseca remains unbeaten in this edition of the tournament, being the only player with a perfect record.

Following his win, Tien said: "I can't put my feelings into words. I'm very happy with this victory, but I also feel a bit of regret since it came at the expense of Alex, with whom I share a strong bond. Of course, I'm thrilled to have advanced to the final."

Fonseca also reflected on his performance and qualification, saying: "I've never had such an outstanding week on a hard court before. I'm playing at my highest level, and I'm proud of what I've accomplished. I stayed fully focused, with my family and training team by my side, which has been amazing. I hope to keep this momentum and win the title."

The final match is expected to draw a large audience and media presence. It concludes the global tennis season for 2024.

The ATP Next Gen Finals represent a significant milestone for tennis in the Kingdom; it is the first professional tennis tournament hosted by Saudi Arabia, and helps achieve the Saudi Tennis Federation's ambitions, including fostering Saudi champions in the sport.