2023-08-01 17:26:17
Boosted by their victory against Brazil (2-1), Hervé Renard’s players face Panama on Wednesday in Sydney. Objective for Les Bleues: keep first place in group F and validate their ticket for the round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup.
Published on: 08/01/2023 – 17:26Modified on: 08/02/2023 – 08:13
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Unless there is a disaster against Panama on Wednesday August 2 at the Sydney Football Stadium, qualification for the final phase seems certain for the Blues, who will still have an eye on Jamaica-Brazil at the same time.
While the table towards the quarters had opened wide on Saturday 29 after the brilliant French success against Seleção (2-1), the future was a little darkened the next day, with the exploit of Colombia against the Germany (2-1).
First place, the most likely scenario unless there is a misstep against the Panamanians, is no longer so advantageous. Before the last day, Colombia is in a good position to finish first in Group H ahead of the powerful Germany, which would therefore inherit Les Bleues in this case.
But there is no room for calculation, because France will not know their future opponent until Thursday.
“We can no longer disappoint”
Against Panama, 52nd nation in the world and already eliminated from its first World Cup, Hervé Renard’s Bleues will mainly fight against a possible decompression.
“There is no calculation to be made. The only thing we have to do is approach this match as we approached the two previous ones, by being conquerors, with the objective of finishing first in this pool” , assured Hervé Renard at a press conference.
Bleues coach Hervé Renard and midfielder Kadidatou Diani during the pre-match press conference on August 1, 2023 in Sydney © Franck FIFE / AFP
Also asked about a possible decompression, striker Kadidiatou Diani also brushed aside this idea: “we talked enough between us after Jamaica (0-0), we were really lifted (…). I felt things that I had never felt before in selection (…). And I think we are in the same state of mind to face Panama”.
“There is no room for relaxation, everyone is aware of that,” midfielder Kenza Dali said on Monday. After the remarkable performance against the Brazilians, “expectations are high, we can no longer disappoint”.
The reduced time between the two meetings (three full days) can convince the coach to rotate, at least slightly, for the following rounds.
He also promised “a few changes for the starting lineup”, “it will depend on the recovery of the players because the time is very short between matches”.
“Everything was managed painlessly, without glitch”
A left calf hit last week captain Wendie Renard gritted her teeth for 90 minutes against the Seleção but may need a rest after her late header in Brisbane. “Everything was managed painlessly, without glitch”, she nevertheless swept away.
His probable rest will benefit Elisa De Almeida, who was ready until the last moment on Saturday but ultimately remained on the bench for the entire meeting.
Blue captain Wendie Renard (C) after scoring the winning goal against Brazil at the World Cup on July 29, 2023 in Brisbane © FRANCK FIFE / AFP
On the left, Estelle Cascarino will certainly be preferred to the side Sakina Karchaoui, who chained all of the first two group matches.
In front, the young Vicki Becho, 19, who made a good start in Brisbane with good overflows and discounts in the opposing area, is expected to replace another Lyonnaise, Eugénie Le Sommer, also a scorer on Saturday.
At his side, Kadidiatou Diani needs to continue his rise, after having started the World Cup physically below following a collarbone injury at the end of March.
In the midfield, Kenza Dali and Sandie Toletti, who would be suspended for the eighth in the event of a new yellow card, are among the changes to expect, in favor of Clara Mateo and Léa Le Garrec. Selma Bacha, who returned against Brazil after spraining her ankle, is expected to start as a left midfielder.
With AFP
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