Euro 2022: Les Bleues in the quarter-finals after their victory against Belgium

French striker Kadidiatou Diani exults after scoring Les Bleues' first goal against Belgium on July 14, 2022 in Rotherham.

REUTERS - LEE SMITH

Text by: Nicolas Bamba Follow

3 mins

The French women's football team qualified for the quarter-finals of Euro 2022 in its second group match, Thursday July 14 in Rotherham, England.

Without being sovereign, the Blue beat the Belgians (2-1).

They will play their third pool match against Iceland on July 18.

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Quarter-finalists of the Euro in 2009, 2013 and 2017, its best result in the competition, the French team is already guaranteed to do as well in this 2022 edition, although it aims much higher.

After the

 in Group D, the tricolor selection was less spectacular against Belgium.

The result obtained remains ideal despite everything: victorious 2-1, the French have validated their ticket for the rest of the Euro.

The draw between Italy and Iceland (1-1) earlier in Manchester had set the evening's goal a little more.

With a victory, Corinne Deacon and her players were mathematically assured not only of qualification, but in addition of finishing in first place in group D, and therefore of receiving at New York Stadium in Rotherham in the quarter-finals the nation which will be classified second in Group C.

Diani opens his counter, Katoto hit on one knee

With a starting lineup slightly overhauled compared to the one that started against Italy, with Griedge Mbock and Clara Mateo starting respectively in defense and midfield instead of Aïssatou Tounkara and Sandie Toletti, the team of France quickly unblocked the situation.

At the far post on a cross from Sakina Karchaoui, Kadidiatou Diani placed a victorious header (6th).

The good French start was disrupted by the exit on injury of Marie-Antoinette Katoto, touched in the right knee and forced to give way to Ouleymata Sarr at the quarter of an hour of play. The rhythm of the meeting then dropped and the Blue were surprised in defense on a good collective movement of the Red Flames.

Perfectly launched by Tessa Wullaert, Janice Cayman left behind Wendie Renard, her teammate in Lyon.

And the Belgian deceived Pauline Peyraud-Magnin with a point (36th).

Mbock signs his return, Renard fails on penalty

This moment of hesitation in the French camp was only temporary.

The two “incoming” kick-offs, Clara Mateo and Griedge Mbock, put the blue-white-red boat back on track.

The first delivered a tense cross for the impeccable header of the second at close range (41st).

Just before the break, Les Bleues took control and gave the score a face more in line with the face of the first 45 minutes.

In the second half, the game was choppy, the pace went down a notch and the show was affected.

Belgium only shot twice on goal, without managing to frame.

The France team missed the opportunity to make the score worse late in the game, when Wendie Renard saw goalkeeper Nicky Evrard push back her penalty.

The ball returned to the French captain, but her second chance flew out of bounds.

Les Bleues did not make a perfect copy for their second outing.

The essential is nevertheless acquired.

It's a full card on these first two matches which allows to apprehend the meeting against Iceland with serenity, while waiting for the quarter-finals.

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