France qualify for Nations League finals at the expense of holders Portugal, who they beat 1-0 on Saturday; Germany in pole position to join them after 3-1 win against Ukraine; Sweden keep survival hopes alive with Croatia win; Watch free Nations League match highlights
Sergio Ramos had two penalties saved in his 177th game for Spain – the record for most international caps by a European player – before a late goal by Gerard Moreno earned a 1-1 draw with Switzerland in the Nations League on Saturday.
Ramos had scored all of his previous 25 penalties but was thwarted when Yann Sommer guessed the right way and repelled his spot kick in the 58th minute to preserve his side’s lead.
Switzerland had gone ahead in the 23rd minute through Remo Freuler and could have doubled their lead in the second half but Ramos came to his side’s rescue with a goal-line clearance.
Spain then earned a second penalty in the 79th minute which led to Swiss defender Nico Elvedi being sent off. However, Ramos was again outwitted by Sommer, who could not be fooled by the defender’s poorly-taken Panenka penalty and easily caught the ball.
Substitute Moreno saved Ramos’ blushes in the 89th minute, finally beating Sommer by lashing home a cross from Sergio Reguilon.
Germany lead Group A4 with nine points, while Spain are second with eight and must win Tuesday’s showdown at home to Joachim Loew’s side in order to progress to the final four. Switzerland stay in last place and can avoid relegation to the Nations League League B by beating Ukraine on Tuesday.
