The French women's team, largely overhauled but still waterproof in defense, offered themselves some certainties by dominating Brazil (1-0), Saturday at Valenciennes, a prestigious victory which enabled them to win the Tournoi de France before their Last match.
Faced with the Seleçao de Formiga, Cristiane and the “queen” Marta, entered at half-time, the Blue continued their flawless journey thanks to Valérie Gauvin (55th), winning this new friendly competition before even facing Tuesday the Netherlands, held in check earlier by Canada (0-0).
Corinne Diacre had warned: the Tournoi de France, a FFF creation with a strong cast, was to serve as a test gallop before the resumption in April of qualifications for Euro-2021, her objective number 1. After having opted for an expected configuration , Wednesday against Canada (1-0), the coach overturned the table for the second game by making eight changes from her starting team.
Exit Sarah Bouhaddi, Kadidiatou Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto, place for Kenza Dali, Eve Perisset or Delphine Cascarino. In this match of “hairdressers” (nickname of the replacements), only Wendie Renard, Amel Majri, Eugénie Le Sommer and Gauvin were among the survivors of the 8th final of the World Cup-2019 won against Brazil.
It's over ! Victory against Brazil! The French team wins the French tournament even before its match against the Netherlands! #FRABRE #FiersdetreBleues #TournoiDeFrance pic.twitter.com/vmUdUXoxf7
- French team ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) March 7, 2020The solid lining in the cages
Despite this major reshuffle, the French defense was able to remain tight in the face of the Seleçao raids, a good habit which has now lasted for six games and as many victories.
Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, the keeper of Arsenal and habitual understudy of Sarah Bouhaddi, annihilated without trembling the attempts of Andressinha (17th), Tamires (36th), Cristiane (63rd), Duda (73rd) and Marta (90th + 2 ), and the central hinge with Renard and Aïssatou Tounkara was solid.
In front, on the other hand, the Blue ones still fished in the last gesture, one of the evils already pointed out by the players themselves vis-a-vis Canada. The deliverance finally came from Gauvin, the usual center forward of the Blue who had been stolen from his place by the promising Katoto Wednesday in Calais.
On a long opening from Karchaoui, brilliant on Saturday, the untenable Majri sent caviar to the Montpellier striker, whose head smashed at six-meters passed between the legs of Barbara. As against the Canadian, the French were patient in the construction, continuing their efforts without panicking. And like Wednesday, they made the difference in the 55th minute ...
Faced with South Americans who remained on 9 games without defeat, the French team gained some certainties, along with confidence before challenging the Netherlands, vice world champions and European champions in title. "I am delighted to have won this evening and delighted to have won this first French Tournament," explained coach coach Deacon. We fell against a solid opponent, we knew how to find the resources to beat them in this second half. It was important that we stay on track. Even if it wins small, it wins. We really wanted to confirm Canada's result. What is interesting is that today we managed to score in the game. After half time, we entered with other intensions, with much more aggressiveness. The girls reacted well and that's what you have to remember. "
- Corinne Deacon
- Women's France team
- Soccer
- Sport