Braga's Municipal Stadium is a masterpiece of design and engineering located in a remote quarry on the Monte Castro ridge overlooking the Portuguese city of Braga. It was designed by the renowned Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto Moura.
That is why people of Braga know their Municipal stadium by the nickname of A Pedreira (La Cantera in Spanish) and it is there where Spain will have to do its best to dig and find the triple treasure hidden among the Portuguese rocks this Tuesday (20:45 Spanish time live on La 1).
It is triple because after failing to win against Switzerland in Zaragoza, a victory in Braga gives the national team a direct ticket to the final four of the Nations League, where Italy, Croatia and the Netherlands await.
On the other hand, winning in Braga would mean that Spain would be in a group of five teams instead of six in the qualifiers for Euro 2024. The draw will be held on 9 October in Frankfurt.
And finally, but perhaps most importantly, taking all three points on Tuesday would exponentially boost the Spanish internationals' morale and self-confidence going into the World Cup in Qatar in less than two months' time.
PORTUGAL AND SPAIN HAVE DRAWN IN THEIR LAST FIVE MEETINGS
Too many hidden gems to make the effort worthwhile against a Portugal team boosted by their thrashing in Prague. In addition, Cristiano Ronaldo is recovered from the blow suffered in the previous match of the competition.
That is why Luis Enrique, with his 25 called-up players at full strength, is approaching the game as both a final and a play-off of the next World Cup. He also warns that the Spanish national team "could die from everything, except fear".
With those characteristics of daring, youth and footballing talent, this national team is determined to visit the quarry this Tuesday, fight and handle whatever comes their way.
