League of Nations: The French in control against Portugal

resumption A month after their elimination in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, Hervé Renard's players responded on Friday evening

Frenchwoman Eugenie Le Sommer against Portugal, September 22, 2023. — F. FIFE/AFP

Les Bleues d’Hervé Renard started well their Olympic season Friday at Valenciennes by beating Portugal (2-0) in the Nations League, more than a month after their elimination in the quarter-finals of the Oceanian World Cup.

Strengthened by the return of several injured players including midfielder Oriane-Jean François, who started after her withdrawal just before the World Cup, the French team managed to win. escape from the Portuguese trap in front of 18,300 people at the Hainaut stadium. Among the returns, Amandine Henry and Griedge Mbock entered the game.

In addition to regaining confidence after the bitter elimination against Australia (0-0, 7-6 tab), the idea for Hervé Fox, sometimes annoyed on his bench Friday, was to consolidate his typical team and gain strength in view of the Olympic Games next year. home in the summer next.

Paris-2024 is, after the Summer World Cup, last, the second objective which was fixed to the coach, whose contract runs until 2024.

Geyoro and Bacha scorers

Vice-captain Grace Geyoro made it happen. French domination by concluding with a small net strike a nice one-two-three between her, Eve Perisset and Eugenie Le Sommer, still impressive in its ease. (27th).

Approximate and achieving little until then, Lyon side Selma Bacha finished the game. his match perfectly with a beautiful strike from outside the area landing in the top corner (89th), his second goal for the Blues.

The League of Nations, which offers tickets for the Olympics- 2024 will determine the groups for the qualifying campaign for Euro-2025 which will begin next spring. If France as the host country is not concerned, the Bleues must avoid finishing last in their group, synonymous with possible relegation to League B. They will continue on Tuesday in Austria .