Axel Allam, Media365 Posted on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 11:04 p.m.
In their first match since the World Cup quarter-finals, Hervé Renard's blue team got off to the perfect start to their UEFA Nations League campaign, beating Portugal thanks to the achievements of Grace Gioro and Salma Basha (2-0).
A successful start for Blues in the Nations League. On Friday evening, at the Stade Hainaut in Valenciennes, the French team not only achieved victories against a brave Portuguese team, but what was essential was achieved: success and the three points. In these Nations League qualifiers for Paris 2024, which does not necessarily concern France because they already qualify as host country, it is the French women who are putting themselves first. Jean-François sent a pass from Le Sommer from long range, but his shot was cleared by Moraes for a corner kick (eighth position). A few minutes later, Berisset's ball was blocked by the crossbar (17th minute). During the first half, Portugal also had its chance, in particular through Nazareth's pivotal shot (24th) but it was the Blues who settled the matter with a goal by Grace Gioro, who found it well in the area via a deflection by Eugenie Le Sommer (1-0, 27th).
Henry returns with the Blues
Before the end of the first half, the French team's pace was lower during the second half, as it faced an opponent that, it is true, was more daring in its intentions but not necessarily dangerous. In this less exciting second period, a small event occurred with the entry of Amandine Henry, who has not played since November 27, 2020 and missed the last World Cup due to a calf injury. The Blues faced Moraes' decisive goal in the goals against Le Sommer with a header (69) and then a half-volley from Gioro (72). If they could double their chances, the Blues came particularly close to the penalty spot when Capita, after a poor pass from the locals towards the defence, saw his ball reach the small net of Picaud, who looked beaten (81'). At the end of the match, Salma Pasha's jewel in the top corner saved the Blues (2-0, minute 89). Without real convincing, the French team was able to obtain the three winning points before its next match in this first group scheduled for Tuesday in Austria (6.30 pm), which is the team that shared the points with Norway on Friday (1-1).
