Marie Antoinette Katoto representing France. Photo Credit: Marie Katoto via Instagram.
Experienced duo Eugenie Le Sommer and Wendie Renard were on the scoresheet for France as they revived their hopes of qualifying from Group F as they beat Brazil in a dramatic encounter in Brisbane.
France were disappointing in their opening game, which saw them held to a goalless draw by Jamaica while Brazil were full of confidence after an impressive display in a comfortable win over Panama. However, this game proved to be a contrast with the French being the side who were on the front foot from the outset. They had two early penalty appeals after Sakina Karchoui and Le Sommer went down in the box, but neither were given by referee Kate Jacewicz.
The opening goal came on 17 minutes. Karchoui’s cross from deep was headed down by Kadidiatou Diani and finished off by Le Sommer. The forward had been controversially left out of the French squad for Euro 2022 by previous manager Corinne Diacre. The opener was Le Sommer’s 90th goal for her country, her sixth at World Cups which broke the French record previously held by Marie-Laure Delie.
It took until midway through the half for Brazil to have their first opportunity but Adriana shot over after Ary Borges’ lay off. Six minutes later the South Americans had an even better opportunity after Sandie Toletti brought down Adriana. However, the resulting free kick from Debinha was curled into the gloves of Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. Brazil’s first shot on target eventually came two minutes before half time from Antonia, but her shot from distance was straight at Peyraud-Magnin. Just before that France had a dangerous moment of their own, but Leticia gathered.
EUGENIE 👏 LE 👏 SOMMER 👏@ELS_9_FRANCE | #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/Zk914itOLq
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 29, 2023
The first effort of the second half came from Toletti, but a tactical tweak from Pia Sundhage at the break paid dividends as Brazil got their leveller on 58 minutes after Kerolin’s deflected pass was finished off by Debinha.
Both sides made their first change within a few minutes of the equaliser- Andressa Alves came on for Brazil in place of Geyse, while France replaced goalscorer Le Sommer with Vicki Becho.
While France had dominated the first half, the second proved much more end-to-end with both sides having opportunities to break with the best chance coming from Grace Geyoro which was parried over the bar by Leticia. Salma Bacha also found the side netting.
With 11 minutes to go, some hesitancy at the back was almost punished by Brazil but Luana’s shot was deflected wide. Four minutes later however, the roles were reversed as poor decision making at the back from Brazil was punished. Bacha delivered a corner from the left hand side, but Renard was left unmarked and was able to head home her 35th goal for her country. Brazil responded by making a triple substitution, which included bringing on the legendary Marta.
France made a change of their own, bringing on Lea Le Garrec for Kenza Dali and within seconds Le Garrec tried an ambitious shot from distance, but it was caught by Leticia.
At the very end of the game, France coach Herve Renard made his displeasure known as play continued to allow Brazil to take a free kick. Renard was booked for his protests as the free kick was sent in by Andressa Alves, but the danger was eventually cleared as France held on for a crucial win.
Today’s results leave France top of the group on four points, ahead of Jamaica on goals scored. Brazil are in third, one point behind the top two. Wednesday’s final round of matches sees France take on already eliminated Panama while Brazil face Jamaica.
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