Hervé Renard’s players, who remained on three victories, lost this Tuesday in Saint-Étienne against England (1-2), world vice-champion and reigning European champion.
A downfall for the Blues… The French women’s team lost this Tuesday, in Saint-Étienne, against England (1-2), vice-world champion and reigning European champion whom she had beaten on Friday in Newcastle (1-2). The Lionesses scored twice in the first half by Stanway (21st) and Russo (34th). Hervé Renard’s players had to wait until the 72nd minute to reduce the score, from the penalty spot, by Diani who was honoring his 100th selection. Insufficient to reverse the trend, however. Next match, against Sweden, July 12.
A failed first act
In front of 10,194 Geoffrey-Guichard supporters, Hervé Renard’s Bleues fell on a vengeful England team, determined to wash away the affront of the defeat suffered at Newcastle (1-2), last Friday, during the match go. As a result, the English very quickly dominated the debates with envy and aggressiveness, the Tricolores, although warned, being collectively without a response. The Juventus goalkeeper, Peyraud-Magnin, kept watch to save the furniture (20th, 29th) but could not multiply the miracles behind a defense that was too passive.
Alone 20 meters away on a back serve, Stanwey punished the blue largesse with a clear strike (0-1, 21st). A goal which increased the confidence of the English, dangerous with each incursion into the French 30 meters. Real poison in the middle of the central Lakrar-Renard hinge, Russo, served by Hemp’s left foot, doubled the lead with a diving header (0-2, 34th). A logical sanction for the French, absent during the first act despite a header situation for Katoto (45th + 3).
Waking up too late in the second half
From his sidelines, Hervé Renard was vocal and asked for more aggression. The coach was heard upon returning from the locker room, the Blues increasing the intensity of the game. We still had to create chances… In the last gesture, the last pass, Kenza Dali and his partners were failing even if the offensive intentions were much better. The English Lionesses were content to manage their advantage until Williamson’s error, guilty of an undeniable foul on Geyoro in his penalty area. A godsend for Diani, who offered himself a consolation prize to celebrate his 100th selection (72nd, 1-2).
There were then around twenty minutes left, animated by the legs of Cascarino, who entered at the break in place of Karchaoui. The last opportunity, almost the only one in the game, was for Katoto who came up against Hampton at close range (89th). Victorious in England, the France team, too intermittent this evening, failed to confirm and will wait to secure its place at Euro 2025 in Switzerland. Next July, before the Olympic tournament, the Blues, still at the top of their group (9 points), will go to Sweden (7 pts) then will challenge Ireland (0 pts). A victory in the last two group matches will be enough, especially since the English (7 pts) and the Swedes will meet again on the final day.
