2021 Nations League final: all you need to know
Sunday, October 10, 2021
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The who, what, where and when of the Nations League final.
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Who won the final?
France came back from behind to clinch a 2-1 victory in the 2021 UEFA Nations League final, having previously seen off Belgium in the last four. They succeeded inaugural champions Portugal, who failed to reach the final tournament.
When did it take place?
The match was staged on Sunday 10 October 2021.
Where was it played?
The storied San Siro, home of former European champions AC Milan and Inter. Named after the district in which it is located, the venue has hosted games at two FIFA World Cups, EURO 1980 and four European Cup finals, most recently in 2016. It will stage the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony, marking 100 years since it opened.
What did the teams have to do to reach the finals?
The four finalists won their groups in the top-ranked League A to earn a place in the final tournament.
- Spain thumped Germany 6-0 in their last group game to leapfrog their opponents at the top of the section after a mixed campaign until then. They then defeated European champions Italy 2-1 in the semi-finals thanks to a Ferran Torres double.
- France dropped just two points in League A as they ended Portugal's title defence, also seeing off 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia and Sweden. Les Bleus then came from 2-0 down to overcome Belgium in another pulsating last-four tie.
What did the winners get?
First and foremost, a fetching 71cm-tall sterling silver trophy.
What happened in the match for third place?
There has not been a EURO third-place play-off since 1980, but Italy and Belgium tussled for a place on the Nations League podium in Turin on 10 October, with the hosts prevailing 2-1 thanks to goals from Nicolò Barella and Domenico Berardi. England beat Switzerland in the fixture in 2019.