France secured another 3 points just 4 days after their victory over the Republic of Ireland, this time against Peter Gerhardsson's Sweden.
During their second qualifying match for the Women's Euro 2025, France faced challenges in scoring against Sweden. Despite this, Wendie Renard's goal in the final 10 minutes secured a narrow 1-0 victory.
However, both forwards Delphine Cascarino and Eugénie Le Sommer had to be substituted due to injuries.
When France struggles to find the back of the net despite creating numerous opportunities, they turn to their trump card.
The decisive Wendie Renard, renowned as one of the best scorers in the history of the team despite playing as a center-back, clinched victory for her side in her first match back from injury.
This time, the French captain didn't score with her head, but with her foot, seizing an ideal position after a header from Katoto, following a cross from Karchaoui, and exploiting a poorly defended corner.
Her solo goal, coming 10 minutes before the end of the match against a lackluster Swedish side on April 9, handed Les Bleues a victory that seemed rather inevitable.
An Important Win On Swedish Soil
4 days after another 1-0 win against Ireland, Hervé Renard had asked for more intensity and “madness” from his players.
The French put on a good match in Sweden, muzzling the opposing attackers well and creating clear chances as the match progressed.
With the performances of the trio in midfield (Toletti, Dali, and Geyoro), Les Bleues took time to find the gap. Defensively, Bacha magnificently saved her side with a goal-line save to keep it fair and square at half-time.
Following another 1-0 victory against Ireland just four days prior, Hervé Renard had urged his players to ramp up the intensity and bring more "madness" to their game.
The French team delivered a strong performance in Sweden, effectively stifling the opposition's attackers and gradually creating clear opportunities as the match unfolded.
The midfield trio of Toletti, Dali, and Geyoro showcased impressive performances, although it took some time for Les Bleues to exploit openings.
Defensively, Bacha made a magnificent goal-line save to ensure the score remained level at halftime.
Katoto Causes Trouble In The Second Half
From the beginning of the second half, the French team persistently applied pressure, pressing aggressively, winning back possession high up the pitch, and launching numerous attempts on goal.
Although Sweden managed to score a goal, it was disallowed due to a foul in the 55th minute.
Nevertheless, France continued to dominate, and their efforts were eventually rewarded in the 80th minute. Grace Geyoro unleashed a powerful shot, which resulted in a corner kick.
From the ensuing corner, Wendie Renard rose to the occasion and found the back of the net, putting France ahead 1-0.
Securing a victory on Swedish soil is a significant achievement. These three points hold immense value in the competition for the Euro qualification.
The Injuries Ruin The Party
However, the mood dampened due to the injuries suffered by Delphine Cascarino towards the end of the first half, followed by Eugénie Le Sommer's departure after the hour mark, casting a shadow over the celebrations.
Sonia Bompastor, Lyon's head coach, received disappointing news as both of Cascarino and Le Sommer will be at risk of missing the team's match against Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League in less than two weeks.
In the 40th minute of the match, the dynamic winger was substituted by Vicki Becho. Cascarino, who recently returned from an ACL injury, had endured an absence of nearly 300 days from competition before making her comeback in mid-March.
Sweden (4-3-3) : Falk – Andersson, Eriksson, Sembrant, Lundkvist – Aslani, Zigiotti Olme, Angeldal – Rolfo, Blackstenius, Rytting Kaneryd.
France (5-3-2) : Peyraud-Magnin – Dali, Lakrar, Renard, Mbock, Bacha – Toletti, Geyoro, Cascarino – Diani, Le Sommer.