Very disappointed by the elimination in the semi-finals of the Euro, the captain of the Blue, however, wanted to see positive in this failure for the future of the France team.
Our special correspondent in Milton Keynes
What feeling prevails after this elimination in the semi-final against Germany (1-2)?
Wendie Renard : We are all very disappointed. We wanted to go to Wembley. When you look at the content of the match, there is also frustration because I think we had room to pass. We gave everything, but we lacked the pep, this pressing that we had been able to implement during our previous matches. And then this German team also had quality. She had observed us well on the video and we never managed to really have control of the ball. It’s frustration, disappointment and it will take time to digest.
Did the two days less of recovery against the Germans play a big role?
No, I didn’t see a step too high for us. Physically, we know the German mentality but despite that, we can’t say that they ate us in the duels. In fact they were especially effective on their crosses by scoring their two goals on them. On our side, we lacked a bit of energy compared to our previous performances. With the ball, we combined less tonight on the sides because they had analyzed us well.
The fact of having broken the glass ceiling of the quarter-finals on this Euro is still a very positive element for the future…
Yes, it’s positive but as I said before this match against Germany, whether you lose in quarters or semis, for me, it doesn’t change anything. Our goal was to win this Euro, not to take another lap.
Do you feel something special in this group?
What is certain is that there is quality in this group with very promising young players. It’s a shame to say but I think that after such a defeat, they will still go up a level because it’s by making mistakes and falling that you learn. Now, I would have preferred them to learn by playing a final at Wembley, but that will not be the case.
Do you want to continue to be the captain of this young troop?
(Smile) That, we’ll see later, it’s too early to talk about it…