‘Happy’ Jenni Hermoso scores on Spain return for 1-0 win over Italy after World Cup kiss scandal
Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox
Jennifer Hermoso made a triumphant return in Spain's 1-0 win over Italy on Oct 27.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
SALERNO – Jenni Hermoso scored a superb 89th-minute goal to help Spain snatch a 1-0 win over Italy in the Nations League on Friday, as she returned to the national team for the first time since their Women’s World Cup success in August.
The forward made a triumphant comeback, following the kiss scandal
Rubiales resigned that month after the unsolicited kiss on Hermoso’s lips at the World Cup presentation ceremony in Sydney caused outrage among players, government officials and many in wider Spanish society and raised questions over sexism in sport.
The 33-year-old came on as a second-half substitute for the world champions in Salerno, after not being selected for games in September by coach Montse Tome to “protect” her.
Hermoso, who now plays for Pachuca in Mexico, was in the right place at the right time to fire home the rebound after Alexia Putellas’ shot was saved.
Spain hold on to top spot in League A Group 4 with nine points, while Sweden are on six and Italy have only three.
They face bottom side Switzerland, who have yet to earn a point, on Tuesday.
“I can tell you (I thought about) many things, but life sometimes gives you little gifts, and today I thought about a lot of people behind (me) this time. I am happy because thanks to them today I enjoyed football once again,” Hermoso told TVE.
She is Spain’s top goalscorer with 52 goals in 102 international appearances.
“What better joy than to get back here and feel good again, to score the goal that gets the win – now I can only smile,” she added.
Losing World Cup finalists England were also in action on Friday, when Lauren Hemp’s first-half strike was enough to beat Belgium 1-0 and boost their Nations League hopes and chances of qualifying for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Belgium had started the day as Group A1 leaders but sank to third as the Netherlands beat Scotland 4-0 to go top on six points, while the Lionesses moved up to second on goal difference.
The group winners will progress to the semi-finals, with a place at the Paris 2024 Games the prize for the two finalists.
Hemp pounced after the Red Flames failed to clear a corner to score the only goal after 13 minutes.
“We started the game really well, with a lot of pace and looked dangerous straight away,” said England coach Sarina Wiegman.
“Our tempo dropped in the second half and they then looked dangerous.
“It is just a lot easier when we score more and make it more comfortable.”
The two sides meet again in Leuven on Tuesday and England can ill afford any slip-ups if they are to keep pace with the Dutch.
The Netherlands travel to Wembley in December in what could be the group decider, before England finish their campaign with a trip to Scotland. AFP, REUTERS
