2020/21 UEFA Nations League season review

World champions France went behind in the UEFA Nations League final in Milan on 10 October 2021, but rallied to beat Spain 2-1. Mikel Oyarzabal put La Roja in front on 64 minutes, but Karim Benzema hit a terrific reply, and Kylian Mbappé won the match ten minutes from the end. "It wasn't easy and we showed the strength of character of this team," said Benzema. "We never give up. It's the sign of great teams to never panic and be patient."

Which sides reached the final tournament?

Belgium, France, Spain and hosts Italy featured at the final tournament, which ran from 6 to 10 October. Spain beat the Azzurri 2-1 in Milan to book their final place, with France joining them after rallying from 2-0 down to beat Belgium 3-2. European champions Italy then overcame the Red Devils 2-1 in the third-place play-off.

Awards

Alipay Top Scorer Trophy: Kylian Mbappé, France (2, plus 2 assists)
Goal of the Tournament: Karim Benzema, France (final)
Player of the Tournament: Sergio Busquets, Spain
Qualifying top scorer: Erling Haaland (Norway), Romelu Lukaku (Belgium), Ferran Torres (Spain) – 6

Five top 2021 UEFA Nations League facts

• France's final win left them unbeaten in 25 competitive games (W17 D8), and closing in on their longest-ever unbeaten competitive run: 27 games between September 1994 and March 1999.

• Antoine Griezmann became the ninth player to reach the 100-cap milestone for France when he featured in the final against Spain.

• At the finals, Lucas and Theo Hernández became the first brothers to represent France together since Hervé and Patrick Revelli in 1974.

• Nicolò Barella's goal against Belgium in the third-place play-off was the 100th Italy had scored under coach Roberto Mancini.

• Italy's defeat by Spain in the semi-finals ended a world-record run of 37 games unbeaten, stretching back to 2018. It was their first competitive home defeat since 1999.