Jenni Hermoso scores winner for Spain in first game after ‘Rubiales kiss scandal’

Jenni Hermoso scored a winner for Spain in their narrow 1-0 win over Italy in the UEFA Nations League as she returned to the national team for the first time after Rubiales’ kiss scandal.

Hermoso came on as a second-half substitute in the Women’s Nations League match against Italy in Salerno and scored a left-footed drive in the 89th minute to hand La Roja a 1-0 win.

The 33-year-old was not selected for Spain in September by new coach Montse Tome. According to reports, they wanted to protect her after she pressed charges against ex-RFEF president Luis Rubiales.

Hermoso said after the game: “What better joy than to get back here, to feel good again and to score the goal that gets the win now I can only smile.”

Jenni Hermoso scores winner for Spain in first game since World Cup final

Spain’s World Cup triumph against England was overshadowed after Luis Rubiales forcibly kissed Jenni Hermoso during the medal ceremony in Sydney two months ago.

Nevertheless, Rubiales resigned three weeks after the widespread criticism. Furthermore, he has been charged with “sexual assault” by a Spanish court and banned from coming within 200 metres of the player.

Jorge Vilda, who helped them to win the World Cup, was sacked by the Spanish federation after several Spanish players, including Hermoso, went on strike.

The victory against Italy keeps Spain top of League A Group 4 with nine points. They are three points clear of Sweden, whom they beat 3-2 last month.

La Roja will aim to qualify for the 2024 Olympics by reaching the Nations League final.