The scenario is cruel for the “Flames Rouges” who, with panache, were able to dream for more than 90 minutes of the feat.

We had to wait for the very start of added time on Friday to see Sweden finally break through the valiant Belgian defense (1-0) and qualify for the semi-finals of the Women's Euro football tournament where they will challenge England.

Qualified for the first time in their history, and for their second participation in the Euro only, for the quarters, the Belgians painfully continued their apprenticeship of the very high level with this defeat in extremis in what was the most difficult quarter-final. unbalanced of all, between the Swedes, world N.2 in the FIFA rankings, behind the United States, and the 19th in the world.

34 shots to 3

The Swedes tried to use the ball as well as possible, building up their passing, which allowed them to have balanced possession and not chase the ball too much.

However, the match was one-sided with 16 shots to 1 for the yellows and blues at the break and 34-3 at the end of the match.

We were playing the second of three minutes of added time in the second half, and Belgium thought they had given themselves 30 more minutes of hope, everything fell apart.

On a badly cleared corner, the ball returned to central defender Linda Sembrandt who catapulted it into the back of the net (1-0, 90+2).

France – Netherlands at 9 p.m.

Prostrated at the final whistle, a few seconds later, the Belgians left with their heads held high after coming out second in the group won by France in the face of the Icelanders and the Italians.

The Swedes remain an enigma in this tournament.

Able to develop a good game, their lack of realism could cost them against England on Thursday in Sheffield.

At home, the Lionesses will certainly not want to miss the opportunity to afford a final at Wembley on July 31, and even a first major title in the country since the 1966 World Cup won by men.

Until then, see you at 9 p.m. this Saturday to follow the last quarter, with France facing the Netherlands to have the right to face Germany.

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