France kicked off the European Championship with a 5-1 victory against Italy. In the second group game, against Belgium, they continued on the beaten path. Already in the sixth minute, the French took the lead through Kadidiatou Diani. The outside ended a pattern attack with a distinct nod.
France then continued to wash over Belgium in wave after wave, but the French did not manage to score. Instead, they saw their big star, striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto, be replaced injured.
Katoto knelt down when neither teammate nor opponent was near her, and lay down. Shortly afterwards, she was replaced.
Chance after chance
However, the defense were on their toes and allowed no space for a finish. Janice Cayman fanned out and managed to poke the ball past Pauline Peyraud-Magnin in the French goal to 1-1.
France, however, wanted something else, and immediately took back the baton. The French continued to create chance after chance.
In the 41st minute, they also received a dividend for their hard work. Clara Matéo unleashed a swerving effort from the right that the visitors’ keeper did well to tip wide. However, straight to Matéo, who hit a new post. Midfielder Griedge Mbock was first on the post and nodded it rock hard straight up into the net.
The second half consisted largely of French ball possession, but the Belgians defended well. Belgium continued to focus on counterattacks, but to no avail.
Transport distance
That the French were aware that a victory, regardless of margin, would make the team ready for the quarterfinals seemed clear.
France played icy cold and experienced of the match and made it all feel like a transport route.
In the 85th minute, Grace Geyoro, three-goal shooter against Italy, fired a shot that was covered by defender Amber Tysiak. After a long VAR review, the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
It also meant that the substitute Tysiak got his second yellow card and was sent off.
But the accident did not double. Nicky Evrard stepped forward and saved Wendie Renard’s penalty. On the ensuing return, Renard shot outside.
France’s 2-1 victory means that the team is ready for the quarterfinals. Belgium, Iceland and Italy all still have a chance to advance in the tournament.