Another scenario, same difference. At the end of February, in Seville, in the final of the League of Nations, the French women’s team did not exist against the Spanish world champions, losing (2-0). This Tuesday evening, in Nice, in a very sad atmosphere (around 6,000 spectators), the Bleues showed a less wait-and-see attitude, offering themselves the possibilities of worrying the best current nation. But facing a Roja achieves and, in sequence, with a game as pleasant as ever, they lost once again (2-4). The second defeat in four friendly matches for coach Laurent Bonadei.
72 hours after the narrow victory against Nigeria (2-1) in Angers, the technician made nine changes in his starting lineup. Only captain Wendie Renard and Parisian midfielder Grace Geyoro continued. A choice justified by the reduced time between the two meetings but not very profitable. After 25 minutes, the Spaniards, led by Aitana Bonmati (6th) and Claudia Pina (23rd), led 2-0. The worst scenario. But little by little, the Blues regained confidence, particularly on the right side of Clara Mateo and Vicki Becho. Before the break, an own goal from La Roja (37th) reignited the suspense. Sakina Karchaoui came close to equalizing (40th).
Always enterprising, Laurent Bonadei’s team pushed in the second period. But she was punished by Spanish realism, like Lucia Garcia’s goal (60th). In a spectacular encounter, Kadidiatou Diani (70th) thought to give hope to the Tricolores. But a final foul, in the area (hand from Kenza Dali), offered the 4th goal on a plateau to Mariona Caldentey (81st). Without the injured Eugénie Le Sommer, who will wait to equal the record of 198 caps, the Blues therefore lose for the second time this year against Spain.
Next meetings in February with the start of the 2025 Nations League. France will host Norway on February 21 and Iceland on February 25. She will then travel twice in April, to Switzerland and Norway.
