Germany-France: the Blue crack again

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In the end, Germany wins, and Popp scores. In a scenario similar to that of the European semi-final on July 27 in Milton Keynes (2-1), the overpowered attacker pierced a helpless and timid blue defense to score a double. Imperial in the area, the German captain won with a header just before half-time (44th), then at the far post just after the break on a school action (48th), sending the French back to their inexperience at the highest international level, despite the reduction in the score of Viviane Asseyi on penalty (85th).

Because if the players of Corinne Deacon unfold when the opposition leaves something to be desired, as against Greece (5-1) and Estonia (9-0) in September, they still lack this benchmark success against a major football nation. women’s world in hostile terrain. Admittedly, the Blues were diminished this week by a slew of injuries, with four executives on the flank, from striker Marie-Antoinette Katoto to defender Griedge Mbock, via Sakina Karchaoui and Sandie Toletti. But the Germans were not complete either, far from it, with four holders of July in the infirmary.

“Nothing can be left to chance at this level,” captain Wendie Renard recalled on Thursday, emphasizing “the details” that make the difference in these oppositions. She could hold the same speech with her teammates in the coming days, because the Tricolors were unable to respond either offensively, with too much waste in the finish, or defensively, with too much passivity in duels and marking.

Popp ovation

In attack, the Blues stumbled twice on defender Kathrin Hendrich, a saver on her line. And in defense, the lack of playing time this season for Aïssatou Tounkara and Eve Périsset has been sorely felt.

Alex Popp, she has not done in detail, from the top of her 31 years. Omnipresent in all attacking areas and a killer in the area, the Wolfsburg striker delivered an almost perfect performance. And it is no coincidence that his name was given a standing ovation by the 26,835 spectators at the Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion in Dresden when he left the field. Almost full, the stadium vibrated in front of its European vice-champions, well launched on the road to Australia and New Zealand, hosts of the next World Cup, from July 20 to August 20, 2023.

Never titled in major competition, the Blues now know that they lack something to position themselves among the favorites for the world title, even if their end to the meeting, with a penalty caused by the novice Lindsey Thomas, softened their evening. They will try to react on Tuesday (6:30 p.m.) in Gothenburg against Sweden. Another big opponent, another opportunity to gauge yourself.

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