Spain won the inaugural UEFA Women’s Nations League title with a convincing victory against France. The world champions won 2-0 in the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, with goals from Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati and Mariona Caldentey. Meanwhile, Germany defeated the Netherlands in the third-place play-off to secure a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Spain added the UEFA Women’s Nations League title to the Women’s World Cup trophy they won last year, cementing their position as the team to beat in international women’s football.
Montse Tome’s team defeated France 2-0 to win the inaugural Women’s Nations League.
Aitana Bonmati, the 2023 Ballon d’Or Feminin winner, scored the opening goal in the 33rd minute at Seville’s Estadio de La Cartuja.
Following a clever one-two with Jenni Hermoso on the edge of the penalty area, Olga Carmona whipped a dangerous cross into the path of an unmarked Bonmati.
The Barcelona midfielder did not hesitate to volley the ball into the net.
Spain dominated possession in the first half of the match, and despite France’s bright start to the second half, the hoBonmati was again involved, slipping the ball out to Athenea del Castillo on the edge of France’s penalty box.
Del Castillo passed the ball back to Caldentey, who shot past French custodian Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.
Spain then used outstanding game management to minimise France’s chances of getting back into the game, finishing with 60% possession.
The incumbent world champions finished ahead of Italy, Sweden, and Switzerland before defeating the Netherlands 3-0 in last week’s semi-finals. Spain’s final appearance won the squad a spot in the Paris 2024 Olympic women’s football event, with France automatically qualifying as hosts.
Germany won the final Olympic spot available from the Women’s Nations League, defeating the Netherlands 2-0 in the third-place playoff.
Following a goalless first half at the Abe Lenstra Stadion in Heerenveen, Klara Buhl and Lea Schuller scored for Germany in the second half.
Germany qualified for the Olympic women’s football competition for the sixth time in history, following their gold medal win in Rio 2016.