There could not have been better preparation before the European Championship, from July 6 to 31 in England. The French women’s team won its second Tournoi de France in two editions on Tuesday evening in Le Havre, thanks to a third victory in as many matches. After Finland (5-0) and Brazil (2-1), it was the Netherlands who suffered the law of the Blues (3-1).
Captain Wendie Renard, on penalty (20th) and striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto, author of a double on the heel (25th and 74th) were once again decisive against the reigning European champions and finalists of the last World Cup. “There are some interesting things, really… I feel homogeneity in this team”, savored the coach Corinne Deacon, whose team remains on a series of 10 successes, unheard of under her mandate. “Things are taking shape”.
In front of only 5,231 spectators (there were 12,000 against Brazil), Les Bleues delighted offensively, especially Kadidiatou Diani on his right side. The latter and Katoto celebrated a goal by forming an “A” with their fingers, a dedication to their teammate at PSG Aminata Diallo, absent from the rally.
The Hamraoui case still hovers
The turmoil of the Kheira Hamraoui affair, attacked in November in the presence of Diallo, a time suspected, continues to exist. Convened for this Tournoi de France, Hamraoui entered in the last quarter of an hour against the Netherlands. “Celebrations are very personal,” commented Deacon soberly. It would be a pity if the extra-sporting hinders the forward march of such a promising team.