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Spain 2-1 England: Pina sparks comeback as hosts reach Nations League Finals

Spain 2-1 England: Pina sparks comeback as hosts reach Nations League Finals

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Spain will play in the Nations League finals later this year, after substitute Claudia Pina produced an inspirational performance.

Claudia Pina played a starring role from the bench as Spain came from behind to book their place in the Nations League Finals with a 2-1 victory over England.

The Barcelona forward - introduced as a 58th-minute substitute - scored twice for La Roja, who cancelled out Alessia Russo's first-half effort to secure top spot in Group A3.

Spain arrived in the group decider two points clear at the summit, and knowing a point at RCDE Stadium would be enough to keep them there. 

However, Montserrat Tome's side fell behind midway through the first half in controversial circumstances.

The hosts believed they should have been awarded a free-kick for a foul on Salma Parraluelo, but England took advantage with Keira Walsh releasing Russo, who calmly slotted past goalkeeper Cata Coll.

Hannah Hampton denied Esther Gonzalez and Patricia Guijarro soon after, as the Lionesses took a slender 1-0 lead into the break.

Pina was introduced just before the hour mark and, within two minutes of entering the field, she dragged Spain level; driving into the box before drilling past Hannah Hampton from a tight angle.

The forward completed the turnaround in spectacular fashion just 10 minutes later, cutting inside on the edge of the box before curling a superb shot into the bottom corner.

Data Debrief: La Roja revel in home comforts

Spain's Nations League title defence remains firmly on track, after securing their place in the final four later this year.

La Roja have now won 10 of their last 11 home games in all competitions (drawn one), since losing to Italy in the 2023-24 edition of this tournament.

Meanwhile, England are without a win in four away matches, and have lost all six of their away games against the reigning world champions by an aggregate scoreline of 22-2.

Spain 2-1 England: Pina sparks comeback as hosts reach Nations League Finals

Spain will play in the Nations League finals later this year, after substitute Claudia Pina produced an inspirational performance.

Claudia Pina played a starring role from the bench as Spain came from behind to book their place in the Nations League Finals with a 2-1 victory over England.

The Barcelona forward - introduced as a 58th-minute substitute - scored twice for La Roja, who cancelled out Alessia Russo's first-half effort to secure top spot in Group A3.

Spain arrived in the group decider two points clear at the summit, and knowing a point at RCDE Stadium would be enough to keep them there. 

However, Montserrat Tome's side fell behind midway through the first half in controversial circumstances.

The hosts believed they should have been awarded a free-kick for a foul on Salma Parraluelo, but England took advantage with Keira Walsh releasing Russo, who calmly slotted past goalkeeper Cata Coll.

Hannah Hampton denied Esther Gonzalez and Patricia Guijarro soon after, as the Lionesses took a slender 1-0 lead into the break.

Pina was introduced just before the hour mark and, within two minutes of entering the field, she dragged Spain level; driving into the box before drilling past Hannah Hampton from a tight angle.

The forward completed the turnaround in spectacular fashion just 10 minutes later, cutting inside on the edge of the box before curling a superb shot into the bottom corner.

Data Debrief: La Roja revel in home comforts

Spain's Nations League title defence remains firmly on track, after securing their place in the final four later this year.

La Roja have now won 10 of their last 11 home games in all competitions (drawn one), since losing to Italy in the 2023-24 edition of this tournament.

Meanwhile, England are without a win in four away matches, and have lost all six of their away games against the reigning world champions by an aggregate scoreline of 22-2.

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