without shining, the French qualify for the quarter-finals thanks to their victory against the Belgians (2-1)

No fireworks in Rotherham (United Kingdom) but qualification for the quarter-finals. For its second match in the group stage at Euro 2022, the France team provided the essentials on this national holiday and won, Thursday July 14, against Belgium (2-1).

If they were announced as ultra-favorites, the Blues did not manage to reproduce the offensive festival offered against Italy. Corinne Deacon’s players, however, set the tone at the start. Kadidiatou Diani opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a dazzling header. But subsequently, the tricolor attacking trio, deprived of Marie-Antoinette Katoto who suffered a knee injury after a quarter of an hour of play, struggled to break through the Belgian defense.

While having possession of the ball, the Blue quickly fell into a slow pace. Sleeping on their laurels, the French were surprised by a tricky action from the Red Flames who opportunistically picked up the score on a sharp point from Lyon’s Janice Cayman (36th). Faulty on the Belgian goal, Griedge Mbock redeemed himself with a well-felt header on a center from Clara Mateo (41st) to allow the French team to lead by one length before halftime.

YES, @MGriedge restores the advantage to the Blues of the head! His 8th goal in selection!

2-1 | #FRABEL | #ProudToBeBlues #WEURO2022 pic.twitter.com/dx1d5xEZs2

— French Women’s Team (@equipedefranceF) July 14, 2022

Dominating without managing to transform their chances, the Blues lacked finishing and precision in the second half. Captain Wendie Renard illustrated this problematic inefficiency, with a double miss on her penalty (90th), in particular a completely missed left foot recovery against an empty goal.

Thanks to this sluggish victory, the French team is at the top of the Group D standings and can serenely apprehend the end of the group stage. The French players will meet Iceland for their third game on Monday at Rotherham.