As Euro 2025 nears, the French women’s national team, minus Wendie Renard, achieved a 2-0 win against Switzerland, maintaining their top position in the Nations League. With nine points from three matches, they prepare for a match against Wales. Coach Laurent Bonadei implemented tactical changes, resulting in a solid performance, highlighted by goals from Sandy Baltimore and Selma Bacha. Despite some individual brilliance, the team needs to improve their collective play ahead of future challenges.
As Euro 2025 approaches in Switzerland, the French women’s national team, notably without Wendie Renard who was given a rest, secured a confident 2-0 victory against Switzerland, solidifying their position at the top of their Nations League group. With the Euro on their minds—being their third major tournament in three years following early exits at the World Cup and Olympics—the Blues are set to face Wales in their next group match at Kybunpark in St. Gallen.
With a perfect record of nine points from three matches, the French team heads to Norway on Tuesday, enjoying a five-point cushion over Ada Hegerberg’s squad, who recently drew with Iceland (0-0). Coach Laurent Bonadei’s objective was clear: to complete the first phase of the Nations League with three wins. His players are already making strides towards qualifying for the anticipated Final Four, and Bonadei aimed for them to not just “scout” for this summer but to avenge their previous loss in a friendly against Switzerland last autumn (2-1).
Strategic Adjustments by Coach Bonadei
Following that defeat, Laurent Bonadei, who was in the midst of establishing his coaching strategy, made several tactical adjustments. He reverted to a 4-3-3 formation and reinstated Pauline Peyraud-Magnin as the starting goalkeeper. Peyraud-Magnin showcased her skills with a remarkable save at the 27th minute and managed several routine stops later in the game (74th minute).
However, the team’s overall performance lacked fluidity and creativity. The Blues often resorted to a more academic style of play, relying heavily on individual talents like Delphine Cascarino and Griedge Mbock, who captained the team in Renard’s absence due to a foot injury.
Le Sommer’s Milestone
In a match against a relatively weak Swiss side, forward Marie-Antoinette Katoto, usually a standout player, had a subdued performance. Although she is typically a key scorer, she chose to drop deeper into the midfield instead of making her usual impact in the box.
Le Sommer was brought on late in the game to commemorate her 200th cap, further etching her name into the annals of French football history after surpassing Sandrine Soubeyrand’s record in the previous match. Despite a lineup expected to mirror the one for the upcoming summer—albeit without injured Kadidiatou Diani and resting Wendie Renard—Bonadei recognized the ongoing need for enhanced collective play, with only sporadic glimpses of effective pressing.
The opening goal for the Blues came from a beautifully orchestrated team play initiated by Grace Geyoro, who delivered a precise pass to Delphine Cascarino, showing impressive form despite her recent travels from the United States. Cascarino made a significant impact on the wing, setting up Sandy Baltimore, who found herself unmarked in front of goal for the opener (1-0, 14th minute). The second goal (44th minute) was a striking individual effort from Selma Bacha, who unleashed a powerful long-range shot that caught the goalkeeper off guard due to a handling error, having previously struck the crossbar just minutes earlier (38th minute).