The first piece of silverware of the new season is up for grabs on Sunday as France take on Spain in the UEFA Nations League final.
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It will be a clash of the titans at San Siro on Sunday night as Spain face France in the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League final. La Roja overcame European champions Italy in the semi-final whereas France produced a brilliant second half comeback to get the better of Belgium. Spain, who won their last major trophy in 2012 have been on a road to recovery under head coach Luis Enrique. On Wednesday, Enrique’s side defeated Italy 2-1 courtesy of a first-half double from Ferran Torres. Meanwhile, for France, Theo Hernandez scored a 90th-minute winner which helped to beat Belgium 3-2 on Thursday.
Spain were eliminated by Italy on penalties in the semi-finals of Euro 2020 after a thrilling match, and then lost to Sweden in the World cup qualifiers last month. Enrique’s side have now won three games on the bounce in all competitions.
Spain’s win against the European champions was a testament to the progress they have made under former Barcelona boss Enrique. The 51-year-old has been able to successfully combine youthful exuberance with experience.
France came into the semi-finals on the back of some poor results, having won just one of their previous six games in all competitions. However against world’s number one national side Belgium, Didier Deschamps’ side produced a remarkable turnaround to book a place in the final. Yannick Carrasco and Romelu Lukaku had given a 2-0 lead to Belgium in the first half, but after the break, Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbape and Hernandez got on the scoresheet to turn the tie.
Enrique’s biggest worry would be the fitness of Torres who was substituted early in the second half after taking a knock. The Manchester City forward is, however, expected to be fit for the final encounter.
Spain will continue with the 4-3-3 formation with Unai Simon occupying the goal. Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres will be the central defenders with the Chelsea duo of Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta deployed as full-backs. The Spanish defence would be up for a sterner test on Sunday.
Spain captain Sergio Busquets will be the backbone of the team as the Barcelona man would look to anchor the midfield and provide a shield to the defence. He will be supported by hardworking Koke and new teenage sensation Gavi, who impressed everyone on his debut against Italy.
Mikel Oyarzabal, who provided the two assists for Torres’ brace on Wednesday will be the left-winger and if Torres is fit to start he will start at the right-wing. Torres is not a typical winger and likes to regularly veer down the centre. Pablo Sarabia is likely to get another run out as a false number nine.
On the other hand, Deschamps is likely to deploy a 3-4-3 formation with Hugo Lloris manning the goal. The three central defenders would be Jules Kounde, Raphael Varane and Lucas Hernandez. Benjamin Pavard and Theo Hernandez would provide the width to the French side.
Aurelien Tchouameni, who put in a solid performance after coming on for Adrien Rabiot in the last match is likely to get a place in the starting XI. The AS Monaco youngster will be tasked with doing the defensive duty in the midfield that will allow playmaker Paul Pogba to play more freely.
The attacking trio of Mbappe, Benzema and Antoine Griezmann pose different kinds of threat to the opposition. Griezman would be deployed in the No.10 while Mbappe would raid the opposition defence with his pace and energy and Benzema is going to be the No.9.
