Wiener Neustadt (Austria) (AFP)
The French women's team will have to be "serious" Tuesday (9:00 p.m.) in Wiener Neustadt to dominate Austria in a duel that looks like "a group final" for qualifying for Euro-2022, the current Monday assured captain of the Bleues Eugénie Le Sommer.
"It's a decisive match, and even if it will be a double confrontation (with the return match in a month in France), it's still very important to win, because (Austria) are the good team group. I like the idea of the group final ", analyzed the top scorer in the history of the selection (86 goals) in videoconference, while France and Austria are co-leaders of group G of the qualifiers with five wins in five games.
The Lyonnaise also has a little feeling of revenge after the draw conceded to the Austrians three years ago at Euro-2017 (1-1).
"I do not have a good memory of it, with a team opposite who had not given up, who had played the blows thoroughly, had imposed a lot of duels and which was very solid defensively. It's up to us to be serious" , she added, aware that their opponents have "the same ambition" as the Blue and "think there is the possibility" of finishing at the top of the group.
Coach Corinne Deacon, back after having been affected by Covid-19 in recent days, mentioned a "semi-final, since there are two matches, even if we know the importance of the first" while insisting on the "pressure of the result" which will weigh on its players, "used to playing such high-stakes matches".
"We should not be afraid", launched the technician, without wanting to give additional indication on the status of defender Wendie Renard, put on the bench Friday against North Macedonia (11-0) after the Lyonnaise has expresses his surprise at the non-selection of Captain Amandine Henry.
© 2020 AFP