Kerry Mayodi
France came back from behind to beat Spain 2-1 to lift the UEFA Nations League trophy, as they redeemed themselves after a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign last summer.
Spain drew first blood in the 64th minute, Mikel Oyarzabal netting home a long ball from Sergio Busquets before Karim Benzema put the game back in balance just two minutes later.
Mbappe put Les Bleus in front with just 10 minutes of play left, after Eric Garcia’s attempts to intercept the through ball from Theo Hernandez played the Paris Saint-Germain forward onside.
Many feel that the winner was disputable, including Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp who felt like Spain were cheated on that one.
Redknapp told Sky:
“It’s a really hard one to understand because from Spain’s point of view, you’re trying to keep a good line. Mbappe has got incredible pace but he gets the timing of his run wrong. It’s the slightest of touches from Garcia.
You can see from the moment Theo Hernandez plays the ball, he’s definitely offside. But because of this delicate touch from Garcia, it’s a new phase of play. But for me it isn’t. It’s a really poor interpretation of the rule. I don’t like it and it feels unfair.
It’s so contentious. We want to see goals in football, of course we do. We’re crying out for VAR to give more goals but this one feels really unfortunate for Spain in my point of view. I do feel sorry for the officials.”
Speaking on the matter, Garcia told El Chiringuito:
“It was clearly offside. The referee told me that I tried to play the ball. What should I do? Step aside and let him run? Apparently, this is the rule.”
