Mbappe’s controversial late winner earns Nations League title for France
Nations League final
World champions France won the Nations League final with a controversial late goal from Kylian Mbappe earning them a narrow win over Spain in Milan.
Didier Deschamps’s side had struggled to get a foothold in the game during a first half dominated by Spain but, after going a goal down to a Mikel Oyarzabal strike, they came alive.
With Paul Pogba excellent in midfield, Mbappe’s speed and movement stretching Spain and Karim Benzema a constant threat, the French were good value for their victory.
However, in what could be a blow to his club side Manchester United, Les Bleus defender Raphael Varane was forced off with an injury.
“We showed our character against a very strong team,” said Benzema. “We never gave up. It shows what great teams do – never panic, be patient and wait for the right time.”
Luis Enrique’s young Spain side, who had beaten European champions Italy in the semi-finals, played their trademark possession football with patience and precision but, in the end, could not compensate for the absence of a genuine striker.
“It was a difficult defeat,” said Spain and Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte. “We have shown better football than them, but what counts is the result.”
The first half was a subdued affair, but both sides were awoken after
the break when France full-back Theo Hernandez thundered a shot against the underside of the bar. Spain responded in clinical fashion, taking the lead when Oyarzabal took a long pass from Sergio Busquets, held off Dayot Upamecano and fired into the bottom corner.
The French reaction was swift, however, with Mbappe finding Benzema, who cut inside before unleashing a brilliant curling shot into the far corner to make it 1-1. Mbappe then grabbed the winner, 10 minutes from the end, racing on to a through ball from Hernandez and slotting past Unai Simon.
Spain protested that Mbappe was offside, but the Var check found a slight touch from defender Eric Garcia had played him onside.
France had goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to thank for two late saves from Oyarzabal and Yeremi Pino.
“We did not get off to a good start, we were dominated and waited until the first goal to react,” said Pogba. “We know we have to do better. But if it’s the way we have to win, so be it.”
A proud Enrique said: “Not only did we beat the European champions, we went toe-to-toe with the world champions.”
Spain (4-3-3) Simon; Azpilicueta, Garcia, Laporte, Alonso; Gavi (Koke 75), Busquets, Rodri (Fornals 84); Torres (Merino 84), Oyarzabal, Sarabia (Pino 61).
Booked Laporte.
France (3-4-1-2) Lloris; Kounde, Varane (Upamecano 43), Kimpembe; Pavard (Dubois 80), Tchouameni, Pogba, Hernandez; Griezmann (Veretout 90+2); Mbappe, Benzema.
Booked Pogba, Kounde, Mbappe.
Referee Anthony Taylor (England).