France clinch UEFA Nations League in dramatic comeback victory
Spain missed out on clinching the UEFA Nations League, as France came from behind to emerge victorious in Sunday’s contentious encounter.
After playing out a goalless first half, Mikel Oyarzabal gave Spain the lead in the 64th minute, before Karim Benzema pulled back a stunning equaliser in the 66th minute.
With the game still very open for grabs, it was Kylian Mbappe’s 80th-minute goal that set both countries apart. And though, contentious, it was enough to see the world champions become the second team to win Nations League, after Portugal.
Third Place Match: Italy 2 – 1 Belgium
Meanwhile, in the third-place match played earlier, a tenacious Italy, withstood a late Belgium fightback to return to winning ways and claim third in the Nations League.
Nicolo Barella opened the scoring just after the break before Domenico Berardi scored from the penalty spot to double Italy’s lead in the 65th minute.
After hitting the woodwork thrice, Belgium eventually pulled a goal back late on, through Charles de Ketelaere.
The Red Devil’s pressed on for an equaliser but Italy, the current Euro winners, whose 37-game unbeaten run was ended by Spain on Wednesday, remained unfazed as they held on till the end.
