logo
Kylian Mbappe scores landmark goal as France finish third in Nations League

Kylian Mbappe scores landmark goal as France finish third in Nations League

Independent4 hours ago

Goals from captain Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise earned France a 2-0 victory over Germany in Stuttgart, a success that means they finish third in this season's Nations League.
Hosts of the Nations League finals, Germany were looking to bounce back from defeat in the last four against Portugal but fell behind on the stroke of halftime after Mbappe controlled and finished well to score his 50th international goal.
Germany thought they had levelled through Deniz Undav early in the second half, but the VfB Stuttgart forward's finish was ruled out following a VAR review.
France did, however, remain in control and should have made the result more comfortable before Mbappe squared for Olise late on to secure third spot, with Iberian neighbours Portugal and Spain facing off in the final later on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo's winner ensured Germany tasted defeat for the first time since last year's European Championship on Wednesday.
They did start well against a France team who were beaten in a thrilling semi-final by Spain, with Florian Wirtz seeing one first-half slotted effort clip the post.
Mbappe, however, made no mistake after collecting Aurelien Tchouameni's long pass. The 26-year-old now sits just one goal behind second-placed Thierry Henry in France's all-time top goalscoring charts.
Undav's fine finish seemingly restored parity early in the second half, but Niclas Fuellkrug was penalised for a foul in the build-up.
Had it not been for Manuel Neuer and the woodwork, France would have been out of sight long before Bayern Munich's Olise tapped home to secure victory that ends their season on a high.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

It's a privilege to make history with you, Alcaraz tells Sinner
It's a privilege to make history with you, Alcaraz tells Sinner

Reuters

time30 minutes ago

  • Reuters

It's a privilege to make history with you, Alcaraz tells Sinner

PARIS, June 8 (Reuters) - French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz praised his rival Jannik Sinner after their burgeoning rivalry offered the Roland Garros crowd a vintage final clash at Roland Garros on Sunday. Spain's Alcaraz retained his title after saving three match points to beat world number one Sinner 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(10-2) in the longest French Open final since tennis turned professional in 1968 - a battle lasting five hours 29 minutes. "I am pretty sure you are going to be champion not once, but many, many times. It is a privilege to share the court with you in every tournament," Alcaraz said on court after ending Sinner's 20-match winning streak at Grand Slams. "I am just really, really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament, in other tournaments; you are a huge inspiration to young kids and to me." Alcaraz has now won his five Grand Slam finals and handed Sinner his first defeat in a major final after the Italian claimed his first three at the Australian Open (2024 and 2025) and U.S. Open (2024). Alcaraz thanked the court Philippe Chatrier crowd for their support, which he said helped him throughout the tournament. "Then Paris, guys, I mean, you have been a really important support to me since the first practice, since the first round," he said. "You were unbelievable. You were insane for me. I mean, I just can't, can't thank enough, you know, to you for the great support during the whole week, for today's match. "For today's match, you were really, really important. You are in my heart and you'll always be in my heart. So thank you. Thank you very much, Paris. And see you next year."

Romelu Lukaku and Harry Wilson to both score now BOOSTED to 12/1 as Belgium face Wales in World Cup qualifier
Romelu Lukaku and Harry Wilson to both score now BOOSTED to 12/1 as Belgium face Wales in World Cup qualifier

Daily Mail​

time34 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Romelu Lukaku and Harry Wilson to both score now BOOSTED to 12/1 as Belgium face Wales in World Cup qualifier

Romelu Lukaku and Harry Wilson to both score in Monday's World Cup qualifying clash is now boosted to 12/1, as the two rival nations prepare to face off once again. One of Welsh football's greatest ever nights came in 2016 against Monday evening's opponents, when Chris Coleman's Dragons beat Roberto Martinez's golden generation Belgian side 3-1 at the European Championship. While few of those Welsh heroes remain in the national team today, there are a few living Belgian legends set to take on Craig Bellamy and Co in Brussels. One of those, Lukaku, is the subject of one of four Price Boosts on offer from Sky Bet. It requires him and Fulham star Wilson to score in the game, and is boosted to 12/1 from 9/1. Wilson scored in his last match for Wales while Lukaku scored a brace last time he played at home for Belgium. Another veteran Belgium star Kevin De Bruyne is boosted from 2/1 to 3/1 to have two or more shots on target. De Bruyne has had three shots on target across his last three matches for Belgium. Meanwhile, Ethan Ampadu to commit two or more fouls is now evens, and both teams to have two or more shots on target in each half is boosted to 7/1. Sky Bet Price Boosts for Belgium vs Wales: Ethan Ampadu 2+ fouls committed - WAS 5/6 NOW EVENS Kevin De Bruyne 2+ shots on target - WAS 2/1 NOW 3/1 2+ shots on target each team in each half - WAS 9/2 NOW 7/1 Romelu Lukaku and Harry Wilson both to score - WAS 9/1 NOW 12/1

Portugal vs Spain – Nations League final LIVE SCORE: Mendes wipes out Zubimendi's opener in epic showpiece
Portugal vs Spain – Nations League final LIVE SCORE: Mendes wipes out Zubimendi's opener in epic showpiece

The Sun

time39 minutes ago

  • The Sun

Portugal vs Spain – Nations League final LIVE SCORE: Mendes wipes out Zubimendi's opener in epic showpiece

PORTUGAL have equalised in what is shaping up to be a thrilling Nations League final against Spain! Arsenal target Zubimendi broke the deadlock after a defensive mix-up. However, minutes later, Nuno Mendes cut in from the left-hand side before firing past Unai Simon. Today, 18:58 By Nyle Smith Portugal's route to the final Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner as Portugal fought back to beat Germany 2-1 in their semi-final. Germany dominated the first half, but it remained goalless thanks to the heroics of Portugal keeper Diogo Costa. However, Germany took the lead in the 48th minute, as Florian Wirtz headed in unmarked in the box, following a pinpoint lobbed pass from Joshua Kimmich. But Portugal turned the match around, first equalizing through substitute Francisco Conceição in the 63rd minute. Then Ronaldo, 40, captained Portugal and scored his 137th international goal five minutes after substitute Conceição had made it 1-1. Today, 18:38 By Nyle Smith How Spain got here Lamine won the Battle of the Ballon d'Or as Spain sneaked into the Nations League final after a nine-goal thriller against France in the semis All eyes in Stuttgart were on the mouthwatering duel between La Roja sensation Yamal, 17, and Les Bleus star Ousmane Dembele, 28. Both are in with a shout of winning the Ballon d'Or in three months time with 51 club goals in all competitions between them for Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain this term. Yet it was the Barca teenage superstar who grabbed the headlines with a stunning second-half double – now with 48 goal contributions in 57 games for club and country this campaign – alongside impressive strikes from Nico Williams, Mikel Merino and Pedri. Kylian Mbappe netted a 59th-minute spot-kick and a late comeback looked on the cards thanks to debutant Rayan Cherki's 79th-minute attempt, an 84th-minute Daniel Vivian own goal and Randal Kolo Muani 's injury-time header. But Spain held on, facing Portugal in Munich on Sunday – their third Nations League final on the spin - and sets up a clash between Yamal and Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time. Today, 18:33 By Nyle Smith Lamine the dream However, teen sensation Lamine Yamal stole the plaudits once again a day later as his double for La Roja earned Spain a thrilling 5-4 semi-final victory against France. Today, 18:32 By Nyle Smith Cris cross Cristiano Ronaldo continued to do what he has been doing for decades last Wednesday - scoring goals - and his 68th-minute strike fired Portugal to a 2-1 win over Germany in the semis. Today, 18:30 By Welcome to SunSport's coverage of the Nations League final! Football lovers cannot wait to see what unfolds in the Nations League final tonight between Portugal and Spain - and we'll be all over it! La Roja are on a fantastic international run as they are on the hunt for a third international trophy in three years. pain won the Nations League in 2023 against Croatia and the Euro's last year overcoming England in the final. They will be attempting to become back to back Nations League champions and are well on the way after overcoming France in an enthralling 9 goal encounter. Once again it was the Barcelona star Lamine Yamal who was the talk of the game as he won player of the match by scoring two goals in his sides 5-4 win. However, the footballing icon Cristiano Ronaldo will want to show the teenager who's boss with a second Nations League win. The Portuguese forward scored his 137th international goal - breaking yet another record - for his country against Germany to win the game 2-1 and secure a final spot. Ronaldo had never beaten Germany before in his career - he has played Germany five times, losing all five but he was the difference maker in the semi-final. The main battle of the game will definitely be between the teenage sensation Yamal and footballing phenomenon Ronaldo.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store