France beat Spain to win maiden title

MILAN: Kylian Mbappe scored a late winner as world champion France came from behind to beat Spain 2-1 in the Nations League final on Sunday.

Mbappe netted with 10 minutes remaining as France was again forced to fight back, just as it had done in the semifinals 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 its 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 Mbappe but the goal was given as Spain defender Eric Garcia 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.

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

European champion Italy beat Belgium 2-1 in the third-place match earlier. Agencies

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