As much to be honest, the match this Monday evening is not the most important in the history of Corinne Deacon since taking office at the head of the France team in 2017. But the clash against Iceland ( 9 p.m.), certainly without an accounting issue since Les Bleues are sure to finish firstshould allow them to gain confidence before playing their quarter-final on Saturday.
Even before playing Iceland, the France team already knows its opponent for quarters. Winners of Switzerland on Sunday but second in Group C on goal difference (for only two goals) behind Sweden, the Netherlands will face the French on Saturday evening in Rotherham (9 p.m.). Not just any opponent, since the Dutch are the reigning European champions.
Getting out of the Icelandic trap
In the meantime, Les Bleues have a game to play against an opponent who can qualify for the quarter-finals. After two games, Iceland is second Group D with two points, ahead of Belgium and Italy (who are playing at the same time) with one point.
Since their perfect first period against Italy, with five goals scored in their first game, Corinne Deacon’s players mark time. Lack of rhythm? Lack of solution against an opponent who does not surrender? Sufficiency? After a sluggish success against Belgium, this last group match against Iceland should provide them with the necessary answers.
Life without Katoto
Another doubt to remove, how will the Blues play without Marie-Antoinette Katoto? The French center forward, injured in the first period against Belgium, is forfeited for the rest of the Euro. A blow, as the PSG player is influential in the game and weighs on the opposing defenses.
Ouleymata Sarr, who replaced her when she left on injury, will she be renewed at the forefront of the attack to continue to make her mark? Will Corinne Deacon trust the French winners of Italy and Belgium? Unless this third game becomes the match of the “hairdressers”term designated for a last group match without stake where the holders are left to rest.
A record to equal
The France team has everything to gain against Iceland. win in style would allow the Blues to reassure themselves before facing the Netherlands on Saturday. A success would alsoequal the previous record for the number of consecutive victories of the French women, 17.
French women undefeated since 2019 and the defeat at the World Cup, in France, against the United States… in the quarter-finals. A cursed landing for the Blues.
France – Iceland, kick-off at 9 p.m. and to follow live written on francebleu.fr and the France Bleu Twitter account.