Match: 0-1
The French team, which has already qualified for the League of Nations Final Four, played extensively in Portugal. It had to wait for extra time to achieve its fifth victory in six matches in this group stage (1-0).
Without Diagne, Katuto (saved), De Almeida, Henry, Le Sommer, Mbok, W. Renard (on the bench because he is at risk of suspension), and La Gioro, the Blues had little difficulty in Leiria. Durand saved France in particular by defeating Capita (16th place). The second period was much more interesting for the Blues, who found the post through Asseyi (see elsewhere) and then squandered the opening score with an incredible feat: after Mallard’s header was blocked by the crossbar, Becciu took the second ball… into the net. Crossbar (90+1). A few moments later, at the far post, the newcomer Gioro scored from close range, receiving a cross from Picho sent by Mallard (90 + 4). Three strong women from this team, Picho and then Mallard, were on the verge of scoring (21st, 63rd).
The turning point: goal disallowed in Portugal
Interestingly, the Portuguese thought they had opened the scoring in the 57th minute. Launched by a spinning Capita, Tatiana Pinto converted Encarnação, who beat Durand from close range. But local residents saw that the referee rejected this goal due to the completely non-existent infiltration. Disappointing for Portugal.
Player: Asseyi, blue symbol of incompetence
A little surprise from the starting XI, Viviane Asseyi occupied the top of the 4-3-3 formation coordinated by Hervé Renard. But the West Ham striker did not burden the opponent’s defence. She scored two harmless shots into Moraes’ gloves (13th, 19th). Shortly after the hour mark, the former Bordeaux player found herself at the end of a move initiated by Le Jarric and sent by Dufour, but she failed to hit the Portuguese post (62). She was immediately taken off the field and replaced by Mallard.
