The French team wins the Nations League! For the first time in its history, the two-time world champion team won this new event by getting the better of Spain (1-2), this Sunday, in the final in Milan.
Three days after dismissing Belgium, France won the Nations League final against Spain (1-2). Benzema and Mbappé are the heroes of the evening.
Thirteen months of the World Cup in Qatar (November 21-December 18, 2022), for which they are almost qualified, the reigning world champions have garnished their trophy cabinet a little more by taking over from Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, crowned in 2019.
Above all, they tamed a “Roja” that fell to the European champions Italy on Wednesday in the semi-final, displaying a strength of character that was unquestionable, if not total control. After Thursday’s stunning 3-2 victory over Belgium, the top-ranked nation in the Fifa rankings, Les Bleus made their mark and laid the foundations for the future, despite the still smoldering ruins of this summer’s failed Euro.
The Nations League does not have the prestige of a major tournament, but the high level of the final phase gives Sunday’s title an intoxicating flavour for Les Bleus against one of the most exciting teams of the moment, a semi-finalist at the last Euro, with a polished game like that of its glorious elders, and seriously rejuvenated under Luis Enrique.
The Manchester United midfielder was monstrous. He was the first player to get his foot on the ball in the second half, and was the only one to rebel during the long but sterile Spanish domination, like his monumental shout against Pavard. His last half hour is a model of its kind with some very high level exits of ball since he is at the origin of the goal of Benzema. His behaviour at the end of the game with very important clearances to relieve his team was exemplary. A very, very great Pogba.
