Kylian Mbappe scored a contentious goal yesterday when France came from behind to beat Spain 2-1 and become the second team to win the UEFA Nations League at Milan’s San Siro, Spain.
Mbappe was adjudged to be onside in the 80th minute when he slid the ball under Spain’s goalkeeper, Unai Simon , after Karim Benzema’s stunning equalizer in the 66th minute.
Spain had taken the lead in the 64th minute through Mikel Oyarzabal, who shrugged off defender, Dayot Upamecano to beat France’s goalkeeper, Hugo Lloris.
Lloris produced two late saves to ensure victory for world champions, France.
He first denied Oyarzabal before acrobatically keeping out Yeremi Pino’s effort in stoppage time, as France became the competition’s second winners after Portugal in 2019.
But Mbappe’s winner will prove to be a moment of debate, with the goal standing even though he was in an offside position when Theo Hernandez passed the initial through ball to him.
Spain defender Eric Garcia touched the ball in his attempt to clear the danger before it came to Mbappe, and the rules state “a player in an offside position receiving the ball from an opponent who deliberately plays the ball… is not considered to have gained an advantage”.
France, who reached the final by coming from 2-0 down to beat neighbours, Belgium 3-2 last Thursday, had to fight back again, and did so in a game that came alive after an hour of technical but sedate action.
Italy defeated Belgium 2—1 for third place.
