At the final whistle, the closed faces already showed disappointment and frustration. Dazed, hands on hips, the French players, beaten by Germany and eliminated from the Euro, did not even have the strength to let their emotions burst. As if emptied by the dream they had thought they had finally touched, and which they let slip, Wednesday, July 27.
Disappointment is the word that came up the most in post-match statements. “We are very disappointed, we will keep it for a while, it will take time to leave”dropped Grace Geyoro in front of the microphones. “There is a lot of disappointment, we were 90 minutes from Wembley, and the goal has not been reached”, also regretted the captain of the Blue, Wendie Renard. For those who stop answering, the features are drawn, the eyes moist. The others do not wish to speak. “At the moment T, it’s disappointment that prevails, we can’t be satisfied with the result, we can’t be satisfied with losing”said Corinne Deacon, gloomily, at a press conference.
“It was our ambition to go to #Wembley“
Corinne Deacon’s reaction after Germany / France #WEURO2022 ▶️: https://t.co/l2abFeAFVv pic.twitter.com/MzXTRsLHLV
– Canal Football Club (@CanalFootClub) July 27, 2022
If there is no shame in falling to a sacred nation eight times, the French can harbor regrets and frustration. While the score was still at 1-1, they had the chances to take the lead and fold the game, in a solid highlight in the heart of the second period. “The players fought well, we gave it our all tonight, it didn’t pay off, especially in the second half, where we created a lot of chances. Efficiency eluded us again tonight “, regretted the coach. An observation on which all the players agree. “They were stronger, more killer”endorsed Grace Geyoro, when Wendie Renard praised “combinations and opportunities” of their opponents.
The France team, which was playing its first semi-final on the European scene, its first match in the last four since the Games in 2012, still has to toughen up at the highest level. Wednesday evening, against Germany, she was able to measure everything that still separates her from the greatest selections. “Germany lived up to their rank, a great team, powerful, athletic, efficient”summarized Corinne Deacon. “A lot of little things we missed to tip the game in our favor”for his part analyzed Clara Matéo. “It’s a shame because we had the potential. But that’s the high level”added the PFC player.
Despite everything, the Blues do not want to throw everything away. “I am proud to be part of this team and proud of our journey”, assured Selma Bacha. The France team has built the foundations of a group that is progressing and learning. “We have built something important with a friendly, hardworking group that does not like to lose. It bodes well for the future”, recognized Corinne Deacon. The group is young, and will necessarily benefit from the experience. Les Bleues are already looking to tomorrow and their next goal, the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand for which they are already qualified.