By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp
ANKARA (AA) - France defeated Spain 2-1 in a 2021 UEFA Nations League final match Sunday.
Both teams started a fairly balanced match with no goals scored in the first half at San Siro.
Spain appeared more determined in the second half, with France keeping the balance as both teams made several close attempts.
Just a few moments after Karim Benzema hit the woodwork for France, Spain took the lead with Mikel Oyarzabal's goal in the 64th minute.
France recuperated quickly as Benzema's screamer went to the top corner of the goal despite Spain's goalie Unai Simon in minute 66.
Kylian Mbappe's left-footed strike under Unai Simon in the 80th minute completed the turnaround for France.
Spain missed the chance to equalize as France's goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made an excellent save against Oyarzabal's volley in the 88th minute.
Another critical save by Lloris in minute 95 sealed the victory for Les Bleus and the game ended 2-1.
This victory gave France their first-ever UEFA Nations League title.
Earlier on Sunday, Italy became third, beating Belgium 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League.