Five wins and one draw. The French women's national team largely did the job in the Nations League group stage. On Tuesday evening, the Blues ended their year with a last-minute victory over Portugal (0-1), while already qualifying for the quadruple final, which will be held from February 21 to 28. They will know on December 11, after the draw, which team they will face in the semi-finals.
In Leiria, Hervé Renard's players waited for extra time in the match to achieve victory, thanks to Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Grace Giroud, who received Vicky Picho's cross at the far post (90+3). A few minutes earlier, the French hit the crossbar twice following a free kick from Salma Pasha, while Vivian Assie hit the post before that.
Completely revamped team
In this risk-free encounter, Renard, who was denied Cadidiato Diani and Marie-Antoinette Katoto due to muscle pain, fielded a completely revamped team.
The coach said via France 4's microphone at the end of the match: “We showed cohesion and solidarity. Everything was not perfect. It is not easy to make ten changes and achieve victory here, and this proves the resources of this group.” .
The French team could have conceded a goal, but the referee ruled a doubtful offside by a Portuguese player (minute 55). A lively, goal-to-goal first half kept the suspense going, with the Portuguese determined to win to stay in League One.
