Italy’s historic 37 games in row without losing finally came to an end with a 2-1 loss to Spain. Spain got payback for the Euro 2020 semifinal loss to Italy. The Belgium vs France game saw France overcome a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2 via Theo Hernandez goal in the 90th minute. France showed the heart of a champion and now two powerhouses in international football will face off on Sunday October 10th to see who wins the Nations League.
Two Sensational Semi Final Games Set Up Nations Spain France Nations League Final
Ferran Torres Carries Spain Through
Ferran Torres sent a huge statement to not only Spain but also Pep Guardiola and Manchester City. Scoring two goals versus the European champions Italy. After Leonardo Bonucci picked up a red card in the 42nd minute Italy’s chances of winning significantly decreased. It should be noted Spain’s two main strikers Alvaro Morata and Gerard Moreno both were out for this game. Luis Enrique continues to show his managerial brilliance taking an average Spain team to the Nations League Final and all the way to the Euro semi finals after escaping the group stage. This current Spain squad has nowhere near the talent of the 2010 World Cup team or 2012 Euro team. He’s done a magnificent job with the players he has.
Aymeric Laporte finally has a manager who believes in him in international football. Didier Deschamps was never in favor of Laporte during Laporte’s tenure with the French national team. Gavi became the youngest player to start for Spain at 17 years old. Clearly, Gavi did not fold under the pressure playing the Euro champs. As usual Spain dominated possession 75% to Italy’s 25%. The difference this time Spain finished their chances and had 15 shots. Spain was already up 1-0 before Bonucci was sent off so they didn’t win because Italy was undermanned.
France’s Epic Comeback Includes Late Winner
Lucas Hernandez will never forget his first career goal for France. His goal advanced France to the Nations League final versus Spain. On the other hand, Belgium will look at this game as a blown opportunity to finally win an international trophy. Belgium’s golden generation is running out of time to win a major tournament. This loss falls on the centre back and Eden Hazard. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku played well enough to win. De Bruyne had two assists and Lukaku a goal. Hazard has not been the same player domestically or internationally since joining Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, France showed why they are among the best teams in the world. Usually they have the most talent on the pitch. Karim Benzema has been arguably their best player since returning to the team. He had a goal and an assist. Despite all the drama surrounding Kylian Mbappe he scored the equalizer. It should be noted France started playing with desperation after going down 2-0. It worked in this game but they might not be able to come back from a multiple goal deficit against a better team.
France and Spain Battle for Glory
The key to this game is what type of game this turns out to be. A high scoring game favours France and Spain might not have enough attacking quality if they need to score three goals. A low scoring game favours Spain and if they go up they can dominate ball possession. France should be favorites in this game because they have more attacking players and when they are playing at their best they are the better team.
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