In modern football, full-backs are no longer confined to defensive duties. The best ones contribute just as much going forward—dictating tempo, exploiting space, and even initiating game-changing plays. Portugal’s Nuno Mendes provided a textbook example of this in the buildup to Portugal’s second goal, showcasing not only his technical skill but also his tactical intelligence. A particularly notable moment came when he displaced Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal with an incisive run and decision-making that culminated in a decisive goal.
The Context: High Stakes, High Intensity
It was a cagey game, as expected between two European giants. Spain, with their possession-heavy approach, sought to stretch Portugal with width and quick rotations. Lamine Yamal had been instrumental on the right wing, combining flair with effectiveness. But one moment from Nuno Mendes turned the tide—and with it, the scoreboard.
The Sequence: From Pressure to Precision
Portugal had just regained possession deep in their own half following a failed Spanish corner. The ball was circulated quickly from right to left, with a key diagonal pass from Rúben Neves releasing Mendes in the left half-space. What came next was a masterclass in timing, positioning, and anticipation.
1. Mendes’ Initial Positioning
Rather than hugging the touchline, Mendes positioned himself just inside the channel. This narrowness gave him several options—receive on the half-turn, link with João Félix who was dropping between lines, or simply drive forward. Crucially, this also placed him out of Yamal’s immediate marking zone, forcing the teenager to adjust his defensive posture.
2. Acceleration and Ball Carrying
With one clean touch, Mendes skipped past Ferran Torres, who had been retreating to cover. Now in open space, Mendes surged forward. Yamal, who had tracked back, was caught in two minds—press Mendes or hold his ground and wait for reinforcement. Mendes made the decision for him, slicing inside with a sudden change of pace that pushed Yamal onto his back foot.
Yamal attempted a shoulder nudge to force Mendes wide, but the PSG full-back held his balance, used his strength, and drove further inward, effectively displacing Yamal and removing him as a defensive factor.
3. The Link Play
Mendes then played a quick one-two with Bruno Fernandes at the edge of the box. This move not only accelerated Portugal’s attack but drew out Rodri from his central pivot position, thereby disrupting Spain’s defensive shape.
4. The Final Ball
After receiving the return pass from Fernandes, Mendes didn’t opt for a hopeful cross. Instead, he measured a low, driven pass across the face of goal. Gonçalo Ramos, ever alert, made the perfect near-post run and slotted it in past Unai Simón with a clever flick.
Tactical Breakdown: Why Mendes’ Role Was Key
Displacement of Yamal: This was not just about pace—it was about Mendes reading Yamal’s inexperience. He attacked the space Yamal left, forcing the young winger to make a defensive decision he wasn’t comfortable with.
Central Overload: Mendes’ inward run created an overload in the left half-space, giving Portugal a numerical advantage and drawing defenders away from central zones.
Disruption of Structure: By pulling Rodri out of position with the one-two, Mendes helped create an artificial gap that Bruno and Ramos exploited.
Composure and End Product: Mendes’ ability to pick the right pass instead of crossing blindly underlines why he’s among the best modern full-backs in the world.
The Bigger Picture
This moment is emblematic of why Nuno Mendes is such a valuable asset to Portugal. His ability to combine athleticism with intelligent decision-making gives Portugal a dynamic edge from the left flank. In contrast, Spain’s reliance on young talents like Yamal—while exciting—exposes them to the risks of tactical naivety.
It was not just a goal—it was a statement. Mendes took on one of the brightest prospects in world football, disrupted his influence, and turned defense into a decisive attack in a matter of seconds.
Conclusion
Football, at its highest level, is a game of margins. Nuno Mendes, in a span of just 10 seconds, shifted those margins decisively in Portugal’s favor. His buildup to the second goal wasn’t just about beating a man or delivering a pass—it was a sequence filled with awareness, bravery, and technical quality. And in doing so, he didn’t just displace Yamal from a play—he put Portugal on the path to victory.
