A month and ten days after its elimination in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, the France team delivered a mixed performance on Friday, but won for its return match against Portugal (2- 0).
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Successful return to the saddle on an accounting level. Having fallen in the quarterfinals of the last World Cup, Hervé Renard’s Bleues won against the Portuguese (2-0), Friday September 22, at the Hainaut stadium in Valenciennes. For this first Nations League match, the France team relied on midfielder Grace Geyoro to take the lead shortly before the half-hour mark and full-back Selma Bacha to secure the victory with a superb strike at the end of the match (89th).
A victory gained from experience despite a good performance from the 19th nation in the world, a rank which does not speak of the problems that the Lusitanians recently caused England in a friendly (0-0), or when they came close to taking the United States out of the World Cup group stage (0-0). As proof, the first goal of the Parisian on a mischievous delivery from Eugénie Le Sommer (27th) was one of the only constructed actions resulting in a shot in the opposing area.
The Blues have long had difficulty carrying danger
Faced with the all-terrain pressing of the Selecção, the French players mainly evolved on rapid attacks, concluded with long shots. Author of a powerful shot from 25 meters on the crossbar, Eve Périsset almost scored (17th), as did Sandie Toletti in the wake of the opening score (28th). Eugénie Le Sommer, active on the offensive front, would have deserved to be rewarded with the head (68th), as well as the right (90th).
Failing to shine in attack, the Blues were little worried. Preferred over the usual starter Pauline Peyraud-Magnin in the cages, Constance Picaud did not have much to do. The only scare for the Blues came when Ana Capeta almost lobbed the potter with an attempt from 35 meters (80th).
The return to the field of Amandine Henry and Griedge Mbock
In addition to the victory acquired despite relative mastery, the other reason for satisfaction was the entry into play of Amandine Henry, who played her first minutes of play in the blue jersey since November 2020. The more than 18,000 spectators at the Hainaut stadium were not mistaken, cheering the Northerner when she appeared on the pitch. Enough to rival the fervor of the noisy Portuguese kop in the autumn cool. Seriously injured in the knee a year ago, defender Griedge Mbock also entered added time.
Unlike other European selections whose qualification depends on the League of Nations, the Blue are already guaranteed to see the Paris 2024 Olympic Games as host country. The fact remains that in addition to having an influence on the Euro 2025 qualifying groups, this new competition is an opportunity to win a first title. Hervé Renard’s squad will have to confirm this success on Tuesday in Vienna against Austria, who conceded a draw in Norway (1-1).