Karchaoui well contained by Saevik. FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI / AFP
The Blues, too clumsy, conceded a draw this Tuesday evening in Reims (0-0).
No fourth victory in four matches. The French experienced a first hitch in their so far flawless run since their elimination in the quarter-final of the World Cup this summer, conceding a draw against Norway (0-0) on Tuesday in Reims, as part of the fourth day of the Nations League, and are getting even closer to “Final 4”.
During a meeting where the Blues were never in difficulty, but where they experienced a significant loss in front of Mikalsen’s goals, the point of the draw allows them to maintain a comfortable lead in group 2 (1st , 10 points), ahead of Austria (2nd, 7 points) for the Final 4 (February 21 to 28, 2024).
Three posts and a lack of success
After victories against Portugal (2-0), against Austria (1-0) then against Norway last week (2-1), Hervé Renard’s players were particularly clumsy in front of goal and showed surprising technical waste, like Le Sommer (7th) via a missed header. Restless on its right side, Baltimore tried to roll twice on its left foot (25th, 32nd) to deceive Mikalsen, imperial this Tuesday evening, without catching the frame.
Shortly before returning from the locker room, Sandie Toletti, starting in the middle in the absence of the suspended Selma Bacha, thought she had opened the score before being flagged offside by the referees. The midfielder wasted a golden opportunity by missing the target from close range after a rush from Le Sommer (47th) after the break.
The French pressure never stopped, with a host of opportunities and amounts hit. Henry (56th) put the opposing goal in difficulty with a powerful strike before Baltimore found the post with a shot accompanied by a glance by Mikalsen (70th). The posts of the Auguste-Delaune stadium were once again put to use by Wendie Renard’s teammates: after a header from Diani which brushed the post (82nd), Henry smashed Mikalsen’s square (85th) and Le Sommer found the crossbar (87th) of a clever lob. However, not enough to win.
“Final” to come against Austria
In the other Group 2 match, Austria preserved its chances of seeing the Final Four of this Nations League by winning (2-1) in Portugal shortly before the Blue match. The clash between the two nations, scheduled for December 1 (9:10 p.m.), will have the feel of a group final.
For Norway, the ordeal continues with only two points collected in four matches and sees the pangs of relegation to the 2nd level becoming more and more pressing. Eliminated in the round of 16 of the World Cup by Japan, the world champions in 1995 and Olympic champions in 2000 will try to save their skin against Portugal on December 1 (December 19) during the 5th day.