The Les Bleus head coach Didier Deschamps as his side delivered a stunning comeback in the UEFA Nations League final to defeat Spain 2-1.
The disappointment of being eliminated by Switzerland in the round of 16 of Euro 2020 (3:3; 5-4 pen) was looming large around the horizon, even making people conjecture over Deschamps’ position before the 2022 World Cup. But the Blues have reassured their status at the international level, winning their fifth major trophy.
Spain head coach Luis Enrique made two changes to the side that started against Belgium (3-2) in the semi-final, bringing Eric Garcia for Pau Torres, and Koke made way for Rodri in midfield. France made just one change in the midfield, with Deschamps giving Aurelien Tchouameni a start ahead of Adrien Rabiot.
Spain kept a major chunk of the possession with that extra man in midfield, but France had the better opportunities in the first half during breakaways. Paul Pogba’s delightful ball to Karim Benzema nearly set up Kylian Mbappe to turn in a goal in the 6th minute, but Cezar Azpilicueta came in their way and cleared the danger.
Manchester United midfielder was France’s orchestrator of every attack as he stretched the Spanish defence whenever he picked up the ball. He combined brilliantly with Antoine Griezmann, who was playing his 100th game for France, a couple of minutes later but was again denied by a crucial intervention from Aymeric Laporte.
La Roja regained some control later on, and both sides cancelled out each other’s attacks. They had a decent handball shout 30 minutes into the game when Rodri’s cross hit Jule Kounde’s arm, but VAR saw nothing criminal in it.
Unfortunately for France, right before halftime, Raphael Varane had to be substituted after picking up an injury. Dayot Upamecano helped them see through the final two minutes, before both sets of players walked back to their dressing rooms with the scorecard reading 0-0.
France had some trouble early on in the second half, with Pogba and Kounde heading into the book early on. However, they missed a great chance on a counter, but Marcos Alonso made a fantastic block to deny Mbappe. Their misery intensified when Mikel Oyarzabal finished a brilliant through-ball from Sergio Busquets, to send Spain ahead.
But France responded almost immediately, with Benzema curling a sensational solo effort past Simon’s left far corner. He wrong-footed Azpilicueta on his way before cutting in and whacking it past the keeper.
France had the better of opportunities later on and their resistance paid off, with Mbappe slotting home a controversial goal. Hernandez’s through ball saw Mbappe questionably onside, much to the dislike of the Spanish bench, but his finish despite Simon closing down the angle was a hallmark of his brilliance.
Spain tried to create chances towards the end, but the French backline pretty much negated every opportunity. Presnel Kimpembe and Upamecano made some terrific aerial clearances, whilst Kounde maintained his calm and did his bit.
Referee Anthony Taylor gave an extra minute past the stoppage time for Spain to give it a shot, but he drew curtains to it after another Kimpembe clearance that sealed the trophy for France.
A brilliant performance from the Spanish contingent did not go unnoticed, but all they could manage was second place.
France ensured their Euro failure did not get to them, and they’re right back on track as hot favourites for the upcoming World Cup.
