French footballers have won the second year of the League of Nations. The reigning world champions beat Spain 2-1 in the final in Milan after this year’s European Championship semi-finalist’s round.
All the goals fell in the second half. In the 64th minute, “La Roja” sent Mikel Oyarzabal in the lead. Karim Benzema equalized in two minutes and Kylian Mbappé completed the turnaround in the 80th minute. “Les Bleus” also managed to turn the tide in Thursday’s semi-finals with Belgium, which they beat 3-2, even though they lost 0-2 after the opening act.
Charges from coach Didier Deschamps carried the Portuguese to the throne, who won the first year of the Nations League in June 2019.
Spain advanced to the finals after Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Italy at home. Griezmann, 30, who has worked in Spain for the club’s entire career, recorded his 100th national team start as the ninth Frenchman in history.
San Sir spectators saw no chance in the first half. Both teams were dominated by defenses that left opponents useless. The Spaniards held the ball more often, but produced just one shot on goal, while the French did not employ goalkeeper Simón at all.
The tactical battle continued even after the change of sides. It wasn’t until the 64th minute that the world champions first threatened, but Hernández hit the crossbar after a pass from Benzem. France immediately regretted the missed opportunity, as Oyarzabal stopped fighting with defender Kound and defeated Lloris.
Deschamps’ selection rushed in with a response in under two minutes as Benzema stretched to the edge of the lime and hit the top corner. Simon stretched his hand lightly towards the ball.
The pace of the match increased rapidly and both teams began to attack. The French scored the coveted second goal. In the 80th minute, Hernández fought off Mbappé for the Spanish defense, who defeated liar Simón. On repeated shots it looked like the PSG forward was offside, but stopper García touched Hernandez’s pass. In the end, Oyarzabal managed to equalize, but Lloris intervened in time.
Final Four of the Football Nations League in Italy – Final in Milan:
Spain – France 1: 2 (0: 0)
Goals: 64. Oyarzabal – 66. Benzema, 80. Mbappé. Judges: Taylor – Beswick, Nunn – Attwell (video, all in English). ŽK: Laporte – Pogba, Koundé, Mbappé. Attendance: 31,511 (limited number).
Spain: Simón – Azpilicueta, Laporte, García, Alonso – Gavi (75. Koke), Busquets, Rodri (84. Fornals) – F. Torres (84. Merino), Sarabia (61. Pino), Oyarzabal. Coach: Enrique.
France: Lloris – Koundé, Varane (43. Upamecano), Kimpembe – Pavard (80. Dubois), Pogba, Tchouaméni, Hernández – Griezmann (90. + 2 Veretout) – Benzema, Mbappé. Coach: Deschamps.
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