France Beat Spain to Claim Maiden UEFA Nations League Trophy

France Beat Spain to Claim Maiden UEFA Nations League Trophy: World champions France won the Nations League final 2-1 over Spain at the San Siro stadium on Sunday, thanks to goals from Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe.


During a first half controlled by Spain, Didier Deschamps' team struggled to gain a footing in the game, but after conceding a goal to Mikel Oyarzabal, they came alive.

                    


The French were good value for their victory, with Paul Pogba brilliant in midfield, Kylian Mbappe's speed and movement stretching Spain, and Benzema a persistent threat.


"We shown our character in the face of a formidable opponent. We never gave up" Benzema stated.


"It exemplifies what great teams do: they never panic, they are patient, and they wait for the appropriate moment."


Luis Enrique's young Spain side, which had overcome European champions Italy in the semi-finals, had played their hallmark possession football with patience and perfection, but were unable to compensate for the lack of a genuine striker in the end.


"It was a tough loss," Spain's France-born defender Aymeric Laporte remarked.


"Despite our youth, we have proven to be a fantastic squad, and we have played better football than them, but the outcome is what matters."


The first half was rather quiet, with Spain circulating the ball well but without threatening penetration, while France was hampered by the loss of centre-back Raphael Varane to injury.


After a quick break, however, both sides were jolted awake as France full-back Theo Hernandez thundered a shot against the underside of the bar.


Spain replied quickly, grabbing the lead when Oyarzabal grabbed a long pass from Sergio Busquets, held off Dayot Upamecano, and shot into the bottom corner.


However, the French retaliated quickly, with Mbappe finding Benzema, who cut inside before unleashing a beautiful curling ball into the far corner to level the score at 1-1.


10 minutes from time, Mbappe scored the game-winning goal, rushing on to a through ball from Hernandez and retaining his calm to put past Unai Simon.


Mbappe was offside when he got the ball, but a VAR investigation revealed that a tiny contact from defender Eric Garcia had brought the France striker onside.


Hugo Lloris was credited with two late saves as Deschamps' team held on for victory despite sustained Spanish pressure.


In the 89th minute, Lloris came down wonderfully to keep away a low attempt from Oyarzabal, and in stoppage time, he responded brilliantly to parry a goal from replacement Yeremi Pino.


The Nations League, now in its second season, is clearly UEFA's secondary league for national teams, as Italian fans singing about their team's Euro 2020 victory reminded us, but that didn't stop France from celebrating.


"We didn't get off to a fantastic start, we were overpowered, and we didn't react until the first goal," said Pogba, who was instrumental in France's comeback.


"We recognize that we must improve. But if that's the only way we can win, then so be it. Winning a prize is always a positive experience. Those are always in demand," he added.


Italy had beaten Belgium 2-1 in Turin earlier on Sunday to finish third in the Final Four tournament.