Spain Clinches Inaugural Women’s Nations League Title with Dominant 2-0 Victory Over France
Spain asserted its dominance over France, securing a comfortable 2-0 win in the final of the inaugural Women’s Nations League. Aitana Bonmati, the Ballon d’Or winner, and Mariona Caldentey etched their names into Spanish football history with crucial goals, adding another trophy to Spain’s expanding collection after their World Cup triumph last August.
The clash in Seville marked Spain’s first-ever victory over France in senior women’s international football. The magnitude of this achievement was reflected in the record attendance of 32,657 fans, setting a new benchmark for Spain’s women’s team.
Aitana Bonmati, crowned the world’s best player last year following Spain’s World Cup success, opened the scoring in the 32nd minute. She calmly tapped in from close range, capitalizing on Olga Carmona’s precise low cross. Spain’s lead was well-deserved, having dominated possession throughout the early stages and showcasing their attacking prowess.
The world champions didn’t ease off after the break, as Mariona Caldentey doubled the lead shortly into the second half. Bonmati, once again instrumental, played a pivotal role by providing the assist to Ona Batlle, whose cutback was clinically finished by Caldentey. France struggled to cope with Spain’s relentless attack, failing to register a single shot on target throughout the 90 minutes.
Spain’s women’s team coach, Montse Tomé, who took over following the Luis Rubiales scandal, expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance. Tomé highlighted the positive blend of experienced players and emerging talents, praising their winning mentality. She conveyed confidence in the team’s preparation for the upcoming Olympics in Paris later this year.
France, acknowledging Spain’s superior performance, conceded that the reigning champions would be the team to beat at the Olympics. Coach Hervé Renard emphasized the need for improvement, lessons, and forward momentum. Despite securing qualification for the Olympics as the host country, France’s performance in the Nations League final underscored the work ahead.
The victory cements Spain’s position as a football powerhouse, holding both the men’s and women’s Nations League titles. Spain’s women’s team continues its remarkable run of success, having secured the World Cup title just six months ago. The team’s ability to overcome challenges and maintain momentum has become a hallmark of their identity under Coach Montse Tomé.
As the final whistle echoed through La Cartuja Stadium, the Spanish bench rushed onto the field, celebrating yet another historic triumph. Spain’s women’s team stands as a formidable force, with their eyes set on the Paris Olympics, where they aim to further solidify their status as champions in the world of women’s football.