France reached the semi-finals of the European Championships with a narrow extra time win over the Netherlands. Eve Périsset’s penalty saw her side win 1-0 to face Germany on Wednesday.
Corinne Diacre was delighted as her French side progressed past the last eight for the first time. “This team gives absolutely everything, “ she said. “They kept plugging away and they kept loyal to our game plan…We’re here to build history. The players and the staff want to make history for ourselves.”
There was much anticipation ahead of this meeting with two of the game’s heavyweights coming head to head. France, ranked third in the world, had set this tournament alight in the group stage with their electrifying attack. Despite five changes, Melvine Malard retained her spot up front, having impressed in her side’s 1-1 draw with Iceland.
The Dutch had struggled defensively but, as title holders, possessed experience. They received a welcome boost with the return of their leading scorer, Vivianne Miedema, from Covid.
Despite Mark Parsons calling for his Dutch side to “turn that switch” early on, it was France who started the faster. If not for Daphne van Domselaar, so impressive in the Netherlands’ goal, and the body of Stefanie van der Gragt, they would certainly have been ahead at the break.
It was one-way traffic with the Netherlands facing constant waves of attack. Grace Geyoro tested Van Domselaar at the near post before Kadidiatou Diani was allowed to glide into the box only to see her effort stopped. A sliced clearance from Dominique Janssen required her keeper to be a full stretch before even the woodwork got involved, keeping out Delphine Cascarino’s effort.
Diani, with her exhiliarating speed, was a constant thorn in Kerstin Casparij’s side. She instigated France’s best chance of the first half, setting up Malard. The French forward was denied only by the last-ditch defending of Van der Gragt. Somehow, it remained goalless at the break.
France were yet to score in a second half in this competition and it seemed to play on their minds as they returned. That and the introduction of Jill Roord eased the pressure for the Dutch as they became more productive. Miedema had their best chance, volleying over at the near post.
The French still threatened, however, with substitute Selma Bacha increasing their energy levels. There is much excitement about the 21-year-old, and she immediately caused the Dutch problems. Wendie Renard had one of her trademark headers cleared off the line before Bacha once more stung Van Domselaar’s gloves.
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With possession fairly even, the French continued their domination of chances on goal but, despite all the pressure, their struggles to hit the back of the net continued. The Netherlands’ defence were dogged in their resistance and the signs of frustration in the French attack were visible.
As the game entered the last ten minutes, the Netherlands moved up the gears going forward. Esmee Brugts, who had made a huge impact against Switzerland, added energy as they looked to threaten.
They began extra-time with added intent but could not fashion a clear-cut opportunity. The decisive moment came in the 100th minute when a VAR check for a Janssen foul saw the referee point to the spot. Périsset stepped up emphatically to break Dutch hearts and send her side through to the semi-finals.
Parsons was proud of side’s effort despite bowing out of the tournament. “There’s not a player with an ounce of energy left,” he said. “Because of the energy, the fight and the heart of these players, we kept the game really tight.”