World champions Spain win Women’s Nations League

PARIS: Aitana Bonmati scored as Spain added the Women’s Nations League trophy to their World Cup title with a comfortable 2-0 victory over France in Wednesday’s final in Seville.

Ballon d’Or winner Bonmati arrived unmarked in the centre to volley home Olga Carmona’s cross from close range.

They wasted little time in making it two after the break, as Mariona Caldentey swept Ona Batlle’s low ball into the bottom corner in the 53rd minute. France never threatened a fightback, failing to muster a single shot on target in the match.

Spain continued their golden run of form as they prepare for a first ever appearance at the Olympics in Paris later this year.

Hopes are high that France, coached by Herve Renard, can challenge for the Olympic title on home soil, but they were completely outplayed by Spain.

The world champions secured a title at the first attempt for coach Montserrat Tome, who replaced controversial boss Jorge Vilda after he was sacked following the World Cup and exfootball federation president Luis Rubiales’s forcible kiss on the lips of forward Jenni Hermoso.

“Six months ago we won the World Cup and now the Nations League, what more could you ask for?,” Barcelona star Bonmati told Television Espanola.

“It’s quite incredible everything we have achieved... This team has no ceiling – World Cup, now Nations League and now for the Olympics.”

Spain dominated the early stages, coming close to breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute when centre-back Irene Paredes powered a header from a corner just wide.

The hosts did forge ahead just after the half-hour mark as France were cut open down their left-hand side, with Ballon d’Or winner Bonmati arriving unmarked in the centre to volley home Olga Carmona’s cross from close range.—