France win UEFA Nations League

MILAN, Italy (AP):

Kylian Mbappé scored late as world champions France came from behind to win the UEFA Nations League with a 2-1 victory over Spain in the final yesterday.

Mbappé netted with 10 minutes remaining as France were again forced to fight back, just as they had done in their semifinal against Belgium.

There were few chances in a cagey final in Milan, but the match burst into life shortly after the hour mark.

Moments after France hit the woodwork, Mikel Oyarzabal fired Spain in front, but their lead lasted less than two minutes before a magnificent finish from Karim Benzema.

“This is the first piece of silverware I’ve won with France, so I’m very proud and delighted,” said Benzema, who only recently returned to the France squad after a five-year absence.

“We played two top-level performances. We went out there to win the trophy, so I’m delighted for the team as a whole, and I’m proud as an individual.”

There was a video review for a possible offside on Mbappé, but the goal was given as Spain defender Eric García was the last to touch the ball as he attempted to intercept the pass to the France forward.

“I’m used to not talking about referees,- and I concentrate on what I can control,” Spain coach Luis Enrique said. “I don’t think I’ve ever talked bad about referees.

WINS AND LOSSES

“I’ve got nothing to say. I concentrate on trying to make my teams play the best way and accepting wins and losses.”

European champions Italy beat Belgium 2-1 in the third-place match earlier Sunday.

Spain beat Italy 2-1 in their semi-,final game, with Ferran Torres netting both goals. There had been doubts about Torres’ fitness, but he recovered to start the final. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot was absent for France after testing positive for COVID-19.