Friendly match – Viviane Asseyi gives victory to the French women’s team against Norway in a friendly (2-1)

Corinne Deacon and Les Bleues are ending 2022 with a smile. For their last meeting of the year, Wendie Renard’s teammates won in a friendly match against Norway in Alicante (2-1). In a game at a very moderate pace, it was Kadidiatou Diani (22nd) and Viviane Asseyi, who entered the second half (83rd) who scored for Les Bleues.

Sophie Haug, the Norwegian striker from Roma had equalized in the middle of the first period (31st). Les Bleues’ preparation for the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand will continue in 3 months, with the Tournoi de France in February.

22nd goal for Diani

After an alert from Amalie Eikeland who took over a cross from Guro Reiten above shortly after kick-off (2nd), the Blues quickly started the first. After timid opportunities for Clara Matéo (6th) and Sakina Karchaoui (12th), the French team opened the scoring with a fine through pass from the Parisian defender, completed with composure by Kadidiatou Diani (1-0, 22nd).

The Paris Saint-Germain striker’s 22nd goal in 80 caps seemed to have launched the French, but the Norwegians of Hege Riise have all but abdicated. Half an hour into the game, Marit Bratberg Lund erased Grace Geyoro to serve Sophie Haug in the rectangle, who beat Renard with a header (1-1, 31st).

End of the negative series for the Blues

Better back from the locker room, with a dangerous shot from Ella Palis narrowly captured by Norwegian goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen in two stages (52nd) and a clear chance from Diani who narrowly fled the frame (54th), the French, failing to shine offensively, held up against the physical challenge of Norway. And finally, Viviane Asseyi, who came into play in place of Matéo, gave France the victory at the end of the match with a fine header following a corner from Kenza Dali (2-1, 83rd).

A saving 14th goal for the West Ham striker: after 3 consecutive defeats, the French women’s team put an end to the bleeding. The preparation of Wendie Renard’s teammates for the Oceanian World Cup will continue next year, with the Tournoi de France scheduled for February 13 to 21.