Victory against Belgium: France prematurely in the quarter-finals of the European Championship

France’s footballers qualified early for the quarter-finals of the European Championship in England. “Les Bleues” followed the 5-1 win against Italy in the opening game with a 2-1 (2-1) win over Belgium and thus secured early victory in Group D.

Coach Corinne Diacre’s team immediately continued their gala performance against the Italians on Thursday evening (14.07.22) at Rotherham’s New York Stadium. With high ball speed and precise passing, the “Red Flames” were constricted in their own half. The Belgians ran a lot – but often just behind. So in the sixth minute, when the team of long-term coach Ives Serneels (in office since 2011) failed to stop a French attack on their left flank. Sakina Karchaoui crossed to the far post for Kadidiatou Diani, who headed it in to make it 1-0.

It was the perfect start for the European Championship favorites on the French National Day.

France dominant…

Even after the lead, the dominance of the Diacre team continued unabated. Even the early substitution of attacker Marie-Antoinette Katoto (17′) due to injury had no negative impact on the French game. They not only impressed with many successful actions in the forward movement. Her withdrawal behavior and her work off the ball were also outstanding.

In short: there was a class difference to see. The few counterattacks worth mentioning showed the Belgians’ unquestionable attacking potential, but for 36 minutes they were unable to put themselves in good finishing positions.

…but once careless

And then the previously more or less unemployed keeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin suddenly had to get the ball out of the net. Tessa Wullaert had put the ball through nicely to Janice Cayman, who was a step ahead of Wendie Renard and chipped the ball past Peyraud-Magnin. Referee Cheryl Foster (Wales) immediately reviewed the goal on video.

Not because it was played out so beautifully, but because Wullaert was in a highly offside position in front of her pass. However, Foster recognized the hit even after viewing the moving image.

Mbock Bathy and Mateo justify starting lineup

However, the joy of the equalizer was short-lived. Because in the 41st minute Griedge Mbock Bathy gave the favorites the lead again. The centre-back found a header from a Clara Mateo cross. This was preceded by a corner that Belgium was able to fend off – but not decisively. This is how Mateo and Mbock Bathy co-produced the film, both of whom had been on the bench in the opening game against Italy.

Coach Diacre could see her decision to have changed the starting line-up despite the overwhelming victory confirmed.

Belgium fights to the death

After the break, the 8,173 spectators in Rotherham saw the same picture: France attacked, Belgium defended. Because “Les Bleues” continued to lack the necessary determination and consistency in the last third of the field, the Serneels team could continue to hope for a point.

What was remarkable about the appearance of the “Red Flames”, who appeared offensively only sporadically, was that they continued to show an enormous mileage, although it took a lot of strength to prevent the French combination vortex to some extent.

Ultimately, however, commitment and morale were not enough that evening to be able to seriously endanger France. In attack, the Belgians developed too little penetration. The French defense did not always leave a solid impression. Possibly also due to lack of employment.

Renard misses a penalty kick

Coach Diacre, who is considered to be very strict, will certainly give her players one or two suggestions for improvement before the final game next Monday (18.07.22, 9 p.m.) against Iceland.

For example, how to take a penalty better than Wendie Renard’s in the 89th minute. First, the captain failed to keeper Nicky Evrard, before the defender put the follow-up shot wide of the goal.

In the quarter-finals, a different caliber awaits France than Belgium with Group C runners-up, currently Sweden. And unlike at the last six European Championships, when “Les Bleues” went out in the last eight, the French women finally want to make it to the semi-finals in England – at least.

Belgium can still hope for the quarter-finals

The Belgians, meanwhile, have a chance to progress as group runners-up with a win against Italy on Monday (9pm CEST). Even a draw would be enough if Iceland loses to France. Amber Tysiak, who saw the yellow-red card against France shortly before the end (89th), will not be in the game.