Berlin (STATS Perform/dpa) – Karim Benzema hailed France’s comeback ability as a sign of a «great team» after Les Bleus fought back to defeat Spain 2-1 and claim the 2021 Nations League.
The Real Madrid forward equalised after Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring, the seventh time in 2021 France have fallen behind first – three more times than any other calendar year.
Kylian Mbappe then scored the winner after 80 minutes, his fourth goal involvement at the Finals – more than any other player – to secure Les Bleus’ second trophy in three attempts after winning the 2018 World Cup and faltering at Euro 2020.
Didier Deschamps’ side are now unbeaten in 25 competitive matches, only doing better once in their history between 1994 and 1999, and Benzema pinpointed the team’s comeback ability as a hallmark of how good they are.
«It’s a dream evening on a collective and personal level,» Benzema told M6 post-match.
«I really wanted to win a trophy with the France team, today it’s done. It was a difficult match against a very good team. We have shown the strength of character.
«This team is very strong, it never gives up and we have proven it again today. It is the sign of great teams: [they] do not panic and wait for the right moment.
«We will first take advantage of this trophy and go for the World Cup.»
Paul Pogba echoed Benzema’s sentiments while bemoaning France’s tendency to start slowly in games.
«It’s true that we started badly,» Pogba said. «[It was] another first period where we were dominated by Spain [and] we had to react after a goal.
«We have to do better, we know that. But the result is victory at the end. If that’s how we have to win, why not like that?
«It’s always good to go for trophies. We always [have a] thirst for trophies, we are never satisfied.»