In the opening game, the French women shone in a goal-rich game. They wanted to continue that way against Belgium – but the game was bumpy.
France’s footballers reached the quarter-finals of the European Championship in England without much glamor as group winners. The co-favorite defeated Belgium 2-1 (2-1) in Rotherham on Thursday. With the second success, the French not only made progress perfectly, but also secured first place in Group D.
Kadidiatou Diani (6th minute) and Griedge Mbock Bathy (41st) shot a France that was too harmless in places into the next round, while Janice Cayman (36th) let the Belgians celebrate in the meantime. Wendie Renard (90th) failed for France with a penalty in the final phase and also missed the follow-up shot.
Group D remains exciting
Belgium’s Amber Tysiak was responsible for the penalty with a handball and saw the yellow-red card. The French star striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Paris St. Germain) had to be replaced injured after 17 minutes.
Meanwhile, Italy is under pressure, having previously only drawn 1-1 (0-1) against Iceland in Manchester. Valentina Bergamaschi (62nd) equalized the Icelandic lead through Karolina Vilhjalmsdottir (3rd).
After losing 5-1 to France at the start, coach Milena Bertolini’s side remain in fourth place. The Italians are tied on one point with Belgium, who are the last group opponents on Monday (9 p.m. / live ticker on t-online). Group runners-up Iceland, who challenge France at the same time, have two points.