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France Beat Spain to Win Nations League

INTERNATIONAL: World champions France have won the Nations League with a 2-1 win over Spain at the San Siro Stadium. Their goals came from Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe. The first half was a relatively subdued affair with Spain moving the ball well but without any real threat. It was only after half-time that the deadlock was broken with Spain taking the lead, but France responded quickly, with Mbappe finding Benzema who cut inside before unleashing a brilliant curling shot into the far corner to make it 1-all. Mbappe then grabbed the winner, 10 minutes from the end.

Didier Deschamps says his team struggled to get a foothold in the game during a first half dominated by Spain, but soon came alive, thanks to Benzema: 

"Yes, Karim is a crucial player, and he has proven over the course of these two matches that he has a very obvious talent. It's there for all to see and he's really kicked on from what he's been showing at club level with Real Madrid. He's got that desperate will to win and he's here exactly to do that and he communicates a great deal with his team mates. So, I'm very happy for everyone, but I'm very happy for him. He needed that. He's not going to play another four or five competitions at international level. I don't think so at least. It's not the most important piece of silverware, but he did everything, and he was very significant."

Spain’s coach, Luis Enrique chose to put a positive spin on the loss:

"How much have we won this week? I don't know, but I know that we were able to win against the European champions and play at almost an even level with the world champions. So, for the players and the team, that is all good. Of course, it will be every time more difficult for me to make my next squad selection and that's good for me and for us. The important thing is that the team maintains their personality and the will to win."

French fans went wild after the match, with plenty of hangovers still lingering in Milan on Monday. The Nations League win cements their country’s position as champions of the world.


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