FRANCK FIFE / AFP
Hervé Renard’s daughters defeated the Germans this Friday, at Groupama Stadium, in the semi-finals of the Women’s Nations League.
France-Germany 2-1
France : Diani (41st), Karchaoui (45th+4, sp)
Germany : Gwinn (82nd, sp)
The glass ceiling is broken. Finally. For the very first time in its history, the French women’s team qualified for the final of a continental competition. Les Bleues won against Germany in the semi-finals of the League of Nations (2-1) and will face Spain on Wednesday. With the objective this time of registering a first line on their prize list.
Les Bleues unleashed before the break
Unable until then to dominate Germany in an official match, the French team especially made a good impression in the first half. And at the end of a long balanced first act, the Blues were able to make the difference as the break approached. Diani, very prominent in the right lane, was responsible for opening the scoring with a powerful strike from the edge of the area (1-0, 41st). A first blow to the head of the Germans, completely stunned before returning to the locker room. On a penalty obtained by Geyoro, Karchaoui did not miss the opportunity to double the lead (2-0, 45th+4). An ideal scenario, in front of the 30,000 spectators present in the stands of Groupama Stadium. A record attendance for a Bleues home match.
Spain, a huge challenge
The imbroglio of his loan to Ivory Coast forgotten, Hervé Renard saw his team fall back dangerously throughout the second period. The three changes made by Horst Hrubesch at the break and the drop in speed of the French allowed the Germans to take control of the proceedings. And finally to get back on track. If Popp saw his attempt hit the bar (72nd), Gwinn reduced the gap from the penalty spot (2-1, 82nd). Their advantage was hanging by a thread, but the Blues ultimately resisted until the end. Five months before the Olympic Games, a huge challenge will present itself to the French team on Wednesday. Le Sommer and his teammates will be in Spain to face a Roja, reigning world champion, and ruthless against the Netherlands in the other semi-final (3-0).