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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Dean Huijsen calls Ronaldo a childhood idol</li><li>Defender had a stunning goal ruled out</li><li>Joked with ref: 'You can't disallow that!'</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'Let's see if I can stop him' - Dean Huijsen ready for 'dream' Cristiano Ronaldo showdown and reveals joke with referee about disallowed Spain goal against France

UEFA Nations League A

Portugal

Spain

<p>Ex-Bournemouth defender Huijsen delivered a standout performance in <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/france-player-ratings-vs-spain-nations-league-semi-final-ibrahima-konate-clement-lenglet-lamine-yamal-nico-williams/blt5bce8560e2f9f505" target="_blank">Spain’s wild 5-4 Nations League semi-final win over France</a>. The 20-year-old defender even found the net with a stunning strike, but the goal was later ruled out for a narrow offside. La Roja’s win sets up a blockbuster final clash with Portugal, with Ronaldo leading the charge for the Selecao.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Despite conceding four goals, Spain’s defense showed resilience, and Huijsen’s performance stood out. Having recently moved from Bournemouth to Real Madrid, where he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/dean-huijsen-real-madrid-gbp50m-swoop-to-sign-spain-international-from-bournemouth-la-liga/blte56d0fac37955409" target="_blank">will play under new coach Xabi Alonso</a>, the young centre-back is building momentum in both club and international football. His potential battle with Ronaldo adds a personal and emotional dimension to the final, especially for a player who grew up watching the Portuguese legend.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Huijsen was asked on <em>Cope </em>about the prospect of facing the Al-Nassr hero in the final, replying: "For me he is one of the best in history, for every child, for every young person who plays against Cristiano Ronaldo it is like a dream to play against him. Let's see if I can stop him."<br>Reflecting on his disallowed goal, he recounted a light-hearted exchange with the referee: "At half-time, I joked with the referee and said... damn, you can't rule out a goal like that! He told me it was a close offside. Shame."&nbsp;</p>

WHAT HUIJSEN SAID

<p>The Spanish defender will now prepare to face Portugal in the Nations League final on Sunday. All eyes will be on his duel with Ronaldo in what could be a defining moment for the young defender’s international career. With Alonso set to guide him at Madrid, this summer could mark the beginning of a major breakthrough.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

'Let's see if I can stop him' - Dean Huijsen ready for 'dream' Cristiano Ronaldo showdown and reveals joke with referee about disallowed Spain goal against France | Goal.com

Dean Huijsen is excited for a &quot;dream&quot; clash with Cristiano Ronaldo after Spain beat France to set up a Nations League final against Portugal.

&apos;Let&apos;s see if I can stop him&apos; - Dean Huijsen ready for &apos;dream&apos; Cristiano Ronaldo showdown and reveals joke with referee about disallowed Spain goal against France

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