This easy success allows the defending champions to take control of the competition before their second meeting, Saturday in Caen against Brazil which, earlier, had hooked the Dutch European champions (1-1).

Brazilian striker Marta Silva equalizes (1-1) on penalty against the Netherlands, at the opening of the Tournoi de France, on February 16, 2022 at the Michel-d'Ornano Stadium in Caen Sameer Al-DOUMY AFP

Corinne Deacon had said that there would be "no second team" at kick-off, but the coach made a counterpoint on Wednesday by aligning her goalkeeper N.2 Solène Durand, relaunching Marrion Torrent on the right defense and giving playing time to the little capped Clara Matéo and Melvine Malard.

French striker Clara Mateo, struggling with Finnish defender Emma Koivisto, at the Tournoi de France, February 16, 2022 at the Stade Océane in Le Havre FRANCK FIFE AFP

The workforce review bore fruit against the little raised Finland, 28th nation in the FIFA rankings, whose sad evening began with a hiccup with the wrong anthem played at the Océane stadium, as a sign.

Mateo shines

The Paris FC striker, Clara Matéo, distinguished herself by a lively part, with percussion, speed and precious set pieces.

At 24, the native of Nantes improved her seventh selection by delivering two decisive corners for the heads of Melvine Malard (2-0, 16th) and Wendie Renard (3-0, 34th), also scorer in the 89th.

Captain and defender Wendie Renard of the France team scores against Finland, during the Tournoi de France, February 16, 2022 at the Stade Océane in Le Havre FRANCK FIFE AFP

Matéo could even have dreamed even bigger without a recalcitrant post (73rd) after a shot triggered after a slalom in the opposing defense.

Five months before the Euro, scheduled for July in England, she gave substance to the ambitions displayed at the start of the week with AFP, saying she wanted to take advantage of her second internship in a row to "gain even more experience and to be able to return to the next selection".

From the height of his 21 years, Malard also took advantage of the hand extended by the coach to shoot down his cards from the right wing of the attack.

Lively and decisive, she scored her third goal in 9 selections.

The joy of France team striker Malvine Malard (g), congratulated by striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto, after scoring the second goal against Finland, during the Tournoi de France, on February 16, 2022 at the Stade Océane in Le Havre FRANCK FIFE AFP

Same age and same talent for Sandy Baltimore who, from the opposite corridor on the left, caused many torments to his vis-à-vis.

A minute after a nice recovery above (11th), the Paris SG winger provoked an own goal from Anna Westerlund (1-0, 12th).

She is also the one who takes the winning corner for Renard's last goal.

France team striker Sandy Baltimore, in the fight with Finnish defender Jutta Randala, during the Tournoi de France, February 16, 2022 at the Stade Océane in Le Havre FRANCK FIFE AFP

Hamraoui, 3 years later

Beyond the final result, the evening was marked by the return to the tricolor jersey of Kheira Hamraoui, a major event almost three years after her previous selection, and more than three months after the assault she suffered.

The 3,600 spectators listed in Le Havre did not react when she entered the game, in the 62nd minute, but Deacon and Charlotte Bilbault, whom she replaced, were warmer, with smiles and hugs.

The coach of the France team, Corinne Deacon, congratulates midfielder Kheira Hamraoui, after the victory, 5-0 against Finland, at the Tournoi de France, on February 16, 2022 at the Stade Océane in Le Havre FRANCK FIFE AFP

The former Barcelona player has waited a long time for her 37th cap and this one matters all the more as it could bring her closer to a place in the Euros, which would have been completely unimaginable a few months ago, and even more so. a few days ago.

Forfeited on injury in October, after a first surprise recall, Hamraoui (32) had never entered the plans of Deacon, who had only offered him a handful of seconds in April 2019 in a friendly against Japan (3- 1).

Neither in those of Olivier Echouafni, his predecessor (two selections in 2016).

His entry into play, sober and effective, makes you want to see more against a tougher opposition.

That's good, Brazil and the Netherlands will soon appear in this Tournoi de France.

© 2022 AFP