France’s goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, left, Theo Hernandez and France’s Kylian Mbappe celebrate at the end of the UEFA Nations League semifinal soccer match between Belgium and France at the Juventus stadium, in Turin, Italy, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. France won the match 3-2.
France’s Theo Hernandez, left, and France’s Kylian Mbappe celebrate at the end of the UEFA Nations League semifinal soccer match between Belgium and France at the Juventus stadium, in Turin, Italy, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. France won the match 3-2.
France’s goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and France’s Kylian Mbappe celebrate at the end of the UEFA Nations League semifinal soccer match between Belgium and France at the Juventus stadium, in Turin, Italy, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. France won the match 3-2.
France’s Kylian Mbappe, flanked by France’s manager Didier Deschamps attends a training session ahead of Sunday’s final of the UEFA Nations League between Spain and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.
France’s manager Didier Deschamps gestures as he attends a training session ahead of Sunday’s final of the UEFA Nations League between Spain and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.
France’s manager Didier Deschamps and France players attend a training session ahead of Sunday’s final of the UEFA Nations League between Spain and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.
France’s Kylian Mbappe, right is flanked by his teammate Theo Hernandez as they attend a training session ahead of Sunday’s final of the UEFA Nations League between Spain and France, at the San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.
Spain’s manager Luis Enrique gestures flanked by Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, center, and Gavi during Spain’s training session ahead of Sunday’s final of the UEFA Nations League between Spain and France, at Interello sport center, in Milan Italy, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.
Spain’s Ferran Torres, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring during the UEFA Nations League semifinal soccer match between Italy and Spain at the San Siro stadium, in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021.
Spain’s Ferran Torres celebrates after scoring during the UEFA Nations League semifinal soccer match between Italy and Spain at the San Siro stadium, in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021.
Spain’s Koke, left, jokes with teammates during Spain’s training session ahead of Sunday’s final of the UEFA Nations League between Spain and France, at Interello sport center, in Milan Italy, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.
Spain’s manager Luis Enrique, right, plays with Spain’s Rodri during Spain’s training session ahead of Sunday’s final of the UEFA Nations League between Spain and France, at Interello sport center, in Milan Italy, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021.
MILAN (AP) — After a difficult few months, France will be hoping its Nations League victory over Belgium is the spark of a recovery heading into the final against Spain in Milan on Sunday.
An incredible comeback in Turin on Thursday saw France recover from two goals down to beat Belgium 3-2 thanks to a last-minute strike from Theo Hernández.
That was only France’s second win after a run of five consecutive draws for Didier Deschamps’ side, which endured a poor campaign at the European Championship.
“Mentally speaking, we were quite down lately and we needed a key game to get back on track,” France captain Hugo Lloris said on Saturday. “And against Belgium everything was there to find the confidence back.
“It was the case in the second half and I hope it will help us to start the game tomorrow with the best intentions. And I really hope we will see a great face of France. It will be tough … it will be on us to do everything we can on the pitch.”
World champion France was one of the favorites at Euro 2020 but, despite having a squad packed with talent, Les Bleus failed to set the tournament alight and won only one match — the opener against Germany. It lost a penalty shootout to Switzerland in the round of 16, having led 3-1 with 15 minutes remaining.