Joselu scores winner as Spain beat Italy to secure Nations League final spot


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Spain are through to the Nations League final after a 2-1 victory over Italy thanks to Joselu's late goal in Enschede on Thursday.

The Espanyol forward pounced two minutes from the end of a tight encounter after a shot from Manchester City's Champions League final match-winner Rodri was deflected into his path.

Spain had taken a third-minute lead through Yeremy Pino but Italy soon levelled with a penalty from Ciro Immobile.

Italy's Davide Frattesi then had a goal chalked off for a narrow offside and Joselu had the final say, just four minutes after coming on as Spain look to secure their first major title since the 2012 European Championship.

“Now the most important thing is that we win this trophy,” said midfielder Rodri, who played a full 90 minutes five days after scoring the winner for Manchester City in the final against Inter Milan.

“It's been a long time without a trophy so that's the opportunity we have on Sunday night.”

Victory also brought some relief to manager Luis de la Fuente, who had come under pressure after losing his second match in charge 2-0 to Scotland in March's Euro 2024 qualifier.

“We just needed time, I have always said this is a process,” De la Fuente told reporters.

“It takes time to establish ideas, we were unlucky that day and didn't get a good result against Scotland, but now with more knowledge of each other and more time in training, things are different.”

Sevilla right-back Jesus Navas was brought back into the team by De la Fuente and made his first international appearance since 2020 in the victory.

“I'm super-pleased, proud for the group but happy for the coach - that's how I feel right now when we can say we're in the final,” said 37-year-old Jesus Navas.

“Our attitude and the way we stuck at things was marvellous too.

“The group worked hard, everyone put everything into it but I'm very pleased for Joselu that it was him who got the winning goal.”

Joselu is enjoying a remarkable spell late in his career after only making his international debut in March and has now scored three goals in three appearances.

He was the third top scorer in La Liga this season with 16 goals, only behind Barcelona's Robert Lewandowski (23) and Real Madrid's Karim Benzema (19), despite Espanyol being relegated from the top-flight.

And now the 33-year-old is heavily linked with a dream move to Real Madrid as a replacement for Saudi Arabia-bound Benzema.

During a spell in England, Joselu managed four goals in 22 Premier League games for Stoke City and then six in 46 league games for Newcastle United before returning to Spain in 2019.

Italy, meanwhile, must face the Netherlands in the Nations League third-placed play-off earlier on Sunday.

Coach Roberto Mancini repeated his claim that Italy are short of attacking talent as they continue to struggle to perform at a consistent level.

“We already began to freshen things up and will continue to do so,” Mancini said.

“There are good kids. But talent comes in waves. Right now we have good midfielders and defenders, but we are lacking great forwards, I don't know why.”

The burning issue

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Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

 

Why your domicile status is important

Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.

Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born. 

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A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.

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Venue Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23

UAE squad Saqib Nazir (captain), Aaqib Malik, Fahad Al Hashmi, Isuru Umesh, Nadir Hussain, Sachin Talwar, Nashwan Nasir, Prashath Kumara, Ramveer Rai, Sameer Nayyak, Umar Shah, Vikrant Shetty

Race card

5.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,400m

6.05pm: Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,400m

6.40pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

7.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (T) 1,200m

7.50pm: Longines Stakes – Conditions (TB) Dh120,00 (D) 1,900m

8.25pm: Zabeel Trophy – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (T) 1,600m

9pm: Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 (T) 2,410m

9.35pm: Handicap (TB) Dh92,500 (T) 2,000m

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Updated: June 16, 2023, 6:23 AM`