In a 68th-minute appearance, Jenni Hermoso superseded Mariona Caldentey and eventually notched the decisive goal.
With a beaming grin, Jenni Hermoso described her electrifying comeback to the Spanish national team as nothing short of a marvel, netting a late-game winner against Italy in the Nations League match at the 89th minute.
Substituted in at the 68th minute in Salerno, Hermoso capitalized on a missed shot by teammate Alexia Putellas, which was initially blocked by Italy’s goalie Laura Giuliani. She drove the rebound into the net, scoring the only goal of the match.
Hermoso’s triumphant return to the field comes after an unfortunate controversy that embroiled Spanish soccer. During the World Cup trophy presentation, Luis Rubiales, then president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), had inappropriately kissed her, an act she stated was non-consensual.
“Nothing beats being back on the field, feeling rejuvenated, and being the one to secure the victory. I can’t help but smile,” said Hermoso, currently playing for Mexican club Pachuca, in an interview with TVE.
The widely criticized lip-lock led to a storm of public disapproval, resulting in Rubiales’ eventual resignation from the RFEF presidency. To add to his woes, he was slapped with a restraining order.
Hermoso, who is 33, confessed that her “public persona had been besmirched” due to the unsolicited kiss.
“Life sometimes hands you these tiny little miracles, and today I reflected on the people who have stood by me,” she further commented. “I felt the joy of soccer once more, thanks to them.”
Jorge Vilda, who led Spain to its World Cup victory, was dismissed in September and replaced by Montse Tome. Tome had opted to leave Hermoso out of her debut lineup last month, citing a desire “to protect her.”
The goal against Italy was Hermoso’s 52nd in a Spanish jersey, coming in her 102nd game.
“We’re elated, not just about the win, but also about her scoring that pivotal goal,” said Spain’s coach Montse Tome during a press conference. “Given the time she’s had away, seeing her smile was a victory in itself for all of us.”
Spain is set to compete against Switzerland next Tuesday, and they currently lead League A Group 4 with a flawless record of three wins in as many matches.
Additional Stats That Tell the Tale
- Teams: Italy vs. Spain
- Possession: Italy – 29%, Spain – 71%
- Total Shots: Italy – 3, Spain – 21
- Shots on Target: Italy – 3, Spain – 5
- Corners: Italy – 2, Spain – 5
- Fouls: Italy – 9, Spain – 16
Headlines Worth a Double Take
- The Kiss that Rocked the Soccer World: Hermoso Speaks Out
- Hermoso’s Reputation Takes a Hit Due to the Rubiales Fiasco
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jenni Hermoso Comeback
What was the final score of the Spain vs Italy match in the Nations League?
The final score was Spain 1, Italy 0, with Jenni Hermoso scoring the only goal of the match in the 89th minute.
Who scored the winning goal for Spain?
Jenni Hermoso scored the game-winning goal for Spain, securing their victory over Italy.
When was Jenni Hermoso substituted into the match?
Jenni Hermoso was substituted into the match during the 68th minute, replacing Mariona Caldentey.
Why is Jenni Hermoso’s return to the national team noteworthy?
Jenni Hermoso’s return is significant because it marks her first appearance since a scandal involving an unsolicited kiss from Luis Rubiales, the then president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), during the World Cup trophy presentation. The incident led to Rubiales resigning and Hermoso being left out of the national team for a period of time.
What was the result of the controversy involving Luis Rubiales?
The controversy led to the resignation of Luis Rubiales as the president of the RFEF and he was also issued a restraining order.
Who is the current coach of Spain’s women’s national football team?
The current coach is Montse Tome, who replaced Jorge Vilda in September.
What are some key stats from the match?
Spain dominated possession with 71% compared to Italy’s 29%. Spain also had 21 shots, with 5 on target, while Italy had 3 shots, all on target. Spain committed 16 fouls and Italy committed 9.
How is Spain performing in the Nations League so far?
Spain currently tops League A Group 4 with a perfect record of three wins in three games. They are set to face Switzerland next.
What club does Jenni Hermoso currently play for?
Jenni Hermoso currently plays for the Mexican club Pachuca.
What did Hermoso say after scoring the winning goal?
Hermoso said, “Nothing beats being back on the field, feeling rejuvenated, and being the one to secure the victory. I can’t help but smile.” She acknowledged that life sometimes provides “tiny miracles” and thanked those who stood by her.
More about Jenni Hermoso Comeback
- Spain’s Triumph in Nations League Against Italy
- The Scandal That Shook Spanish Football: Luis Rubiales and Jenni Hermoso
- Montse Tome’s Debut as Spain’s Women’s National Football Team Coach
- Jenni Hermoso’s Career Stats and Highlights
- Nations League Current Standings and Group Info
- Jenni Hermoso’s Interview with TVE
- Reactions to Spain’s Victory Over Italy
- Detailed Match Stats: Spain vs Italy
- Luis Rubiales’ Resignation and Aftermath
- Profile of Mexican Club Pachuca, Hermoso’s Current Team
9 comments
71% possession for Spain? They basically owned the game. Those stats are wild!
Woah, what a game! Hermoso is back and how! That late goal was just epic. But seriously, can we talk abt that Rubiales dude? What was he thinkin’?
I normally care more about my gadgets than sports, but man this game and the whole Hermoso saga could make for a great documentary or even a movie.
Hermoso was on fire! Just shows, you can’t keep a good player down. and that 89th min goal? pure class.
Rubiales getting a restraining order is justice served, if you ask me. Hope Hermoso keeps shining!
My daughter looks up to Hermoso. So glad she’s back on the field, showing young girls you can overcome anything.
Montse Tome seems like the real deal. Looking forward to see how she shapes the team’s future.
As someone who usually sticks to cinema, even I gotta admit, this game’s drama was off the charts. Kinda like a plot twist in the last act, ya know?
Its about time Rubiales got what he deserved. Good on Hermoso for making a kickass comeback.