The France team wants to continue its momentum. The Blues, who easily beat South Korea in opening (4-0) of "their" World Cup, pass a first test against Norway (21h) Wednesday night in Nice. The Norwegians, also winners of their first group match (3-0 against Nigeria), announce themselves as a tough opponent.
The round of 16 as the challenge
The girls of Corinne Deacon can already qualify for the round of 16. For this, the Tricolores must win against Norway, while hoping for a draw in the other match of the group between Nigeria and South Korea (Wednesday at 15h). A victory alone would also greatly approach the French of a qualification, before a last match a priori easy against Nigeria, on June 17.
A first test for the Tricolores
If South Korea has not done the trick, Norway is of a different caliber. The Norwegian selection is one of the great historic nations of women's football, with a World Cup in 1995 and the Olympic Games in 2000 to their name. The Scandinavians have however disappointed at the last major competitions, with elimination in the round of 16 at the 2015 World Cup, and especially a poor road exit in the first round of Euro 2017. But since then, Norway has rebuilt and has even finished top of her qualifying pool, ahead of the Dutch European champions.
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Ada Hegerberg, the great absent
The Norwegians will not be able to count on Ada Hegerberg, the star of Olympique Lyonnais. The first women's Golden Ball of history, in cold with his federation, refuses to play with his selection for two years. Without the OL striker, Norway is not depleted. Winger Caroline Graham Hansen, who has just joined FC Barcelona, will be the main danger to follow for the Blue.
Wendie Renard scares Norway
To try to stop Wendie Renard, author of two goals from the head against South Korea, the staff of Norway tried a funny method. The Norwegians prepared to face the formidable defender Central French one meter 87 by asking ... the press officer of the team. From the height of his meter 96, the denominated Terje Skeie "played" the role of the star of the OL, Monday with the training. "It looks like him, is not it? We had even thought to put a wig on him," joked the coach of the Norwegian selection, Martin Sjögren. Not sure, however, that this is enough to stop Wendie Renard.
The Allianz Riviera sold out
The meeting against Norway will also be an opportunity to maintain the fervor around the Blue. After a match against South Korea in an arched-up Princes' Park, the French team will play a second time in a row sold out on Wednesday night at the Allianz Riviera in Nice. The remaining 6,000 tickets against the Norwegians have sold like hotcakes in recent days. More than 35,000 spectators are expected in the grounds of the OGC Nice.