Jenni Hermoso Scores Late Winning Goal In First Spain Appearance Since Women's World Cup

Jennifer Hermoso marked her return to the Spanish women's national team by scoring an 89th-minute winner against Italy in the Nations League.

The 33-year-old - having entered Friday's game in Salerno as a substitute in the 68th minute - converted a rebound to net the 52nd goal of her international career after Alexia Putellas had been denied by Italian goalkeeper Laura Giuliani.

Hermoso, who is Spain's all-time leading scorer in women's international soccer, had not played for her country since the Women's World Cup final in August.

Spain's victory over England in the World Cup final was marred by scandal after the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales, kissed Hermoso on the lips during the trophy presentation ceremony.

The kiss was not consensual, according to Hermoso.

Rubiales has since resigned, despite initially insisting that he would not, and has been issued with a restraining order banning him from going within 200 meters of Hermoso.

"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," Hermoso told TVE after Friday's game.

She added: "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."

Jennifer Hermoso pictured celebrating after scoring the winning goal for Spain against Italy in a Women's Nations League game on Friday

IMAGO/Antonio Balasco