Co-favourites France celebrated a resounding victory in their first game at the Women’s European Football Championship.
Coach Corinne Diacre’s team outclassed Italy 5-1 (5-0) in Rotherham. Grace Geyoro (9th minute/40th/45th) from Paris Saint-Germain with a three-pack, her club colleague Marie-Antoinette Katoto (12th) and Delphine Cascarino (38th) from Champions League winner Olympique Lyon already shot France unassailable in the lead in the first half. In the second round, Martina Piemonte (76th) scored the consolation goal for Italy.
Previously, Belgium and Iceland had drawn 1-1 (0-0) in the first game of Group D. Berglind Thorvaldsdóttir (50′) put Iceland ahead with her goal after missing a hand penalty in the 33rd minute. Justine Vanhaevermaet (67th) converted a penalty kick to equalize for Belgium.