Classy France outfox Spain to claim Nations League trophy

Milan

THE Nations League Final Four may only be a bite-sized mini-tournament, but last week's action still provided a reminder of one of the sport's most enduring truths - it is strikers that win matches.

France beat Spain 2-1 in Sunday night's final at the San Siro stadium in Milan with the goals coming from two of the finest forwards in the modern game - Karim Benzema, who struck a beautiful shot into the corner, and Kylian Mbappe who showed outstanding composure for the winning strike.

In contrast to the 2018 World Cup champions' clinical finishing, Spain had dominated the opening 45 minutes, enjoying two-thirds of the ball possession but, playing without a recognised striker in their line-up, they barely tested France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

With first-choice centre forwards Alvaro Morata and Gerard Moreno missing the semi-final and final due to injury, Spain coach Luis Enrique had opted against bringing in a "pure" striker.

The absence of a real "No 9" was barely noticed in last Wednesday's (Oct 6) 2-1 semi-final win over Italy, where winger Ferran Torres was given a central role and scored both the team's goals.

But against the French, Torres was moved back to his preferred position on the right of a three-pronged forward line and not only was he less effective in that position, without him, Spain lacked a central presence.

Mikel Oyarzabal did most of the work down the middle with Pablo Sarabia coming in from the left wing more in the second half and for the most part, France's defence coped, despite losing Raphael Varane to injury in the first half.

Oyarzabal did put Spain ahead but after Benzema's wonderful curling effort to level and Mbappe's cool finish to put France ahead, Spain's frantic attacks lacked the presence of a centre forward.

Every time France attacked with Mbappe's directness, pace and disorientating movement and Benzema's constant probing for space, there was a sense of anticipation from their supporters.

In contrast, when Spain attacked, it was pleasing on the eye but rarely carried a sense of danger.

There is so much talent in Luis Enrique's highly promising side and teenagers like Gavi and Yeremi Pino showed here that the production line from LaLiga continues despite the financial problems at the country's two biggest clubs, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

But for Spain to get back to the very top in the international game and regain the World Cup they won in 2010 or the European titles they won in 2008 and 2012, they will surely need to add a top striker to their long list of quality midfielders and wingers.

France, meanwhile, will head to the World Cup in Qatar in November 2022 with a fearsome frontline that, in itself, makes them one of the tournament's big favourites.

Mbappe, who's still only 22, continues to develop as a player, his superb control and lightning pace, combined with a smartness in terms of his ability to exploit spaces and use the ball cleverly when others are in better positions.

Crucially, he is now forming a genuine understanding with the 33-year-old veteran Benzema in their strike partnership.

Not only are both capable of outstanding individual goals, but they combine with an effectiveness that coach Didier Deschamps would have hoped for when he brought Benzema back into the fold for June's European Championships.

With the subtle creativity of Antoine Griezmann just behind the pair, France boast a front three that is arguably unmatched in the national team arena.

France beat No 1 ranked Belgium and then Spain without their key central midfielder N'Golo Kante, but they had Paul Pogba to thank for delivering a fine all-round display in the final.

With the switch to using wing backs in a 3-4-3 formation, Deschamps appears to have found the right formula to get the most out of the talent at his disposal.

Luis Enrique has made real progress in rebuilding Spain after their struggles in the past few years and his side are capable of beating anyone when everything clicks - as they showed against Italy last week. But how he must also wish he had strikers in the mould of Mbappe or Benzema. REUTERS