Nuno Mendes will not feature for Portugal vs Armenia due to a knee injury. The setback occurred following a clash between Bayern Munich and PSG, after which Mendes was evaluated by the medical team. Consequently, he was not selected by head coach Roberto Martinez for the concluding phase of the World Cup Qualifiers.

With a chance to qualify on the line today, the fan base is anticipating a stellar performance from the team. Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from today’s matchup, Bruno Fernandes’ return to the squad is a significant boost, and the team will need to aggressively pursue a victory.

Armenia, having won just one matchup during the competition, have already been eliminated. Portugal, on the other hand, find themselves in urgent need of a victory in this pivotal game. Hungary and even Ireland stand as potential threats to Portugal’s World Cup spot if one team secures a win in their matchup today.

Portugal’s starting lineup

Head coach Roberto Martinez understands the stakes for both his tenure with Portugal and the team’s esteemed reputation. A loss could spell disaster, potentially concluding a project that has brought home the UEFA Nations League title and showcased a wealth of emerging talent for the future.

Therefore, despite several key absences, he is deploying all available resources in the roster to ensure a victory and secure a spot in the group stage of the World Cup next year in North America.

Here is Portugal‘s confirmed lineup for today’s crucial encounter:

• Goalkeeper: Diogo Costa
• Defenders: Joao Cancelo, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, Nelson Semedo
• Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, Joao Neves
• Forwards: Bernardo Silva, Goncalo Ramos, Rafael Leao

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Beyond his exceptional defensive performance, Mendes was the most dynamic player on the pitch. His surging runs down the flank consistently created scoring opportunities, and he was directly involved in both of Portugal’s goals—scoring the opener himself and providing the assist on Ronaldo’s powerful kick for the second.

This performance not only highlighted Mendes‘ all-around brilliance but also marked a defining moment in his international career. With composure under pressure and relentless energy on both ends of the field, Mendes delivered a complete performance on one of Europe’s biggest stages.

Match recap: a European classic

The final was a showcase of grit and quality. Spain struck first through Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Oyarzabal, controlling large portions of the opening half with composed midfield play and constant movement. Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Fabian Ruiz, Nico Williams and Marc Cucurella were instrumental during that early dominance.

But the Portuguese battled back, showing resilience and physicality in the second half. Ronaldo’s equalizer, paired with Mendes’ earlier goal, pushed the game to extra time. Both sides created chances late—Nelson Semedo and Isco came close—but neither squad could break the deadlock before penalties.

Portugal seals the win from the spot

In the shootout, Portugal remained composed while Spain faltered. Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Nuno Mendes, and Rúben Neves all converted from the spot, while Álvaro Morata’s miss proved decisive. When Neves netted the final penalty, Portugal were crowned UEFA Nations League champions.

Cristiano Ronaldo, potentially playing in his final major international final, lifted the trophy in tears—an emotional moment that symbolized a storied career coming full circle. Meanwhile, Nuno Mendes not only etched his name into Portuguese soccer history but also solidified his standing as one of the game’s elite two-way fullbacks.

This transfer window was defined by the moves made by Lionel Messi to PSG and Cristiano Ronaldo back to Manchester United, but there were other signings that in their own way will be ones to watch for the clubs and players involved. While clubs have done the best they can to limit spending others like Manchester City and Manchester United have thrown the kitchen sink in order to land their targets.

Here is a review of the last-minute transfers from August 31st, while some names may not be striking, they could very well be huge for the club and player involved. Here are 7 last minute transfer window signings to take notice this season.

7. Emerson Royal – Barcelona to Tottenham, €25 million

22-year-old Brazilian, Emerson Royal made an unexpected and interesting move to Spurs on the final day of the transfer window. Royal who was involved in a strange operation in 2019 which saw him move from Atlético Mineiro in Brazil to Spain in a joint transfer between Real Betis and Barcelona. Royal played two seasons for Betis and later Barcelona exercised their buy option and bought 100% of the player for €9 million from Betis. Two months later Barcelona sold Royal to Spurs for €25 million, in need of cash Barcelona made a good deal off a player who has had a modest career in Europe. For Royal, a chance to play at Spurs and be away from all the Barcelona drama can help him get back on the Brazilian national team.

6. Tiemoue Bakayoko – Chelsea to AC Milan, Loan

Tiemoue Bakayoko is just one of those Chelsea players stuck in limbo and has been loaned out yet again this time for a second stint at AC Milan. The French midfielder has good pace and dribbling and now back at Milan will hopefully impress and live up to his potential.

5. Luuk de Jong – Barcelona, Loan

Despite being 1 billion euros in debt, Barcelona is still a destination for players. Netherland’s striker Luuk de Jong moved to Barcelona on a loan from Sevilla. For de Jong he is entering a good situation personally as he is highly rated by Ronald Koeman. Barcelona is in rebuild mode and Koeman’s job will depend on getting the most from “his” players.

4. Matthew Hoppe – Real Mallorca, € 3.3 million

An American cracks the list, Matthew Hoppe was the subject of a lot of transfer rumors this offseason and the young American kept a cool head. The 20-year-old striker jumps from Schalke 04 and all their issues to Real Mallorca of La Liga for € 3.3 million. Hoppe has a huge upside due to his age, in Germany he was the first American player to ever score a hat-trick in the Bundesliga.

3. Nuno Mendes – Sporting CP to Paris Saint-Germain, Loan

Nothing is going to stop PSG from making a push for this season’s Champions League and 19-year-old Nuno Mendes will be along for the ride. The left back played very well for Sporting CP on their way to the title last season and will be a good helping hand for the long season at PSG. PSG is the place to be right now, and Mendes is in great company.

2. Saúl Ñíguez – Chelsea, Loan

Spanish midfielder Saúl Ñíguez is just another top player on an already stacked Chelsea side that will look to win the Premier League and defend their Champions League title. Ñíguez is a central midfielder that has good passing ability and will hope to link up well with the Chelsea attack when called upon.

1. Antoine Griezmann – Atlético Madrid, Loan

Maybe the biggest move on the last day of the transfer window, French World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann returns to Atlético Madrid after an up and down stint at Barcelona which saw him score 22 goals in 74 La Liga games. Barcelona needed to clear Griezmann’s salary and once again sent a player to a direct rival, while for the French star it’s a chance to get back to the top of his game.