A victory and a qualification by way of fireworks? On this Thursday, July 14, the France team led by coach Corinne Deacon faces its Belgian neighbor. Four days after the big inaugural victory against Italy (5-1), Les Bleues could qualify for the quarter-finals if they win against Belgiumeven before the last group match against Iceland on Monday.
Alone at the top of group D of the Women’s Euro 2022, France remains on a magnificent victory against Italy, a team supposed to be the most formidable opponent of the group stage. The Italians had only recorded two defeats since the last 2019 World Cup. But the five goals scored by the Blues in the first half dashed the transalpine hopes.
Already qualified for the quarter-finals?
In the other match of the first day of Group D, on Sunday, Belgium held Iceland in check (1-1). First with two points ahead of their pursuers, Les Bleues will therefore be guaranteed to finish among the first two qualifying places if they succeed this evening. And even already first in the group if Iceland do not beat Italy.
The Belgian adversary is within reach of the French. Nineteenth in the FIFA rankings (France is third), the Belgians have not won against France for… 37 years! The French even remain on eight straight victories against the Red Devils.
In the footsteps of England?
If France stood out as soon as they entered the competition against Italy with great success, England, host of the competition, responded the next day with an 8-0 victory against Norway.
Will the Blues respond to the English? Such a wide victory would be synonymous with fireworks on this national holiday and would install France a little more among the great favorites of the Euro. France-Belgium, kick-off this Thursday at 9 p.m.