Spain have emerged winners of the inaugural Women’s Nations League their second major trophy in six months by beating France 2-0 in the final
Spain beat England in the World Cup final in August and against France on Wednesday Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey gave them a comfortable victory in Seville.
Ballon d’Or winner Bonmati broke the deadlock from close range in the 32nd minute, before Caldentey’s crisp, first-time finish after the break.
Herve Renard’s France side rarely threatened and had no shots on target.
Spain have never beaten France in their 13 previous encounters, but on Wednesday the girls from Spain had only one thing on their minds
They dominated the early stages and came close through Irene Paredes, but the centre-back headed just wide from a corner on 26 minutes.
Their persistence paid off when Bonmati volleyed in Olga Carmona’s low cross after an impressive run down the left from the defender.
France will be disappointed not to have had more of a go in their first major final, but Spain had too much strength at both ends of the pitch.
The world’s number one ranked side now have their first silverware under Tome, who replaced controversial boss Jorge Vilda after he was sacked following the World Cup and ex-football federation president Luis Rubiales’ forcible kiss on the lips of forward Jenni Hermoso.
They have won 18 of their last 20 fixtures and head into the 2024 Olympics as favourites and a force to be reckoned with.
In both their World Cup and Nations League triumphs, Spain finished top scorers in both tournaments and with the highest average possession in both.
Spain Wins Inaugural Women’s Nations League
