Five wins and one draw. The French women’s team largely did the job in the group stage of the Nations League. Tuesday evening, the Blue ended their year with a last-minute success in Portugal (0-1) while they were already qualified for the four-way final which will take place from February 21 to 28. They will know on December 11, after the draw, which team they will face in the semi-final.
In Leiria, Hervé Renard’s players waited for extra time in the match to win, thanks to PSG midfielder Grace Geyoro who took a cross from Vicki Becho at the far post (90th + 3). A few minutes earlier, the French had twice found the crossbar following a free kick from Selma Bacha, while Viviane Asseyi had previously shot the post.
A completely overhauled team
For this meeting without stakes, Renard, deprived of Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto victims of muscular discomfort, fielded a completely overhauled team.
“We showed cohesion and solidarity, everything was not perfect, it’s not easy with 10 changes to come and get a victory here, it proves the resources of this group,” reacted the coach at the microphone of France 4 at the end of the match.
The French could have conceded a goal but the referee signaled a questionable offside by a Portuguese player (55th). The lively first half from one goal to the next maintained the suspense, with the Portuguese determined to win to stay in League A. They will ultimately be demoted.