They all put their hands on their hips and stood still as the Germans embraced. The pact which was to lead Les Bleues to Wembley came up against the German wall. And once again, as during the half of the 2012 Olympics or during the quarter-finals of the following competitions, the lack of realism for the tricolor was costly.
We could have feared it: beyond the two days of additional recovery from which the Germans will have benefited before this semi-final, their physical superiority will have taken over the Blues, voluntary, but powerless. Light years away from their offensive dominance against the Netherlands in the quarter, the French have long been unable to get the slightest chance.
Crucified by Popp
And when they got them, they once again lacked realism and efficiency. The day before this semi-final, Camille Abily, the former international with 183 caps, co-coach of OL and consultant for TF 1 had nevertheless issued a warning in our columns: “I speak from experience, it they really need to be effective. This is what we have been lacking in previous competitions. And we know that at this level efficiency is paramount”.
After Diani’s equalizer just before the break, with the complicity of the post and the back of the German goalkeeper, the Blues hoped to have done the hardest part. But then came three chances that it would have been preferable to convert but Bacha (63rd) and Renard (64th) came up against a very inspired Merle Frohms. Les Bleues missed their chance. Because Alexandra Popp, untenable, scored a second goal shortly after, her sixth in five games, to send Germany to Wembley (2-1, 76th).
In front of her TV, what was Marie-Antoinette Katoto thinking about? The PSG striker, who left the France group after his knee injury in the second match against Belgium, will have missed. Cruelly. Despite all his selflessness; Melvine Malard will not be able to make her forget. Failed in the quarter-final, the Lyonnaise was taken out at the break during the half. In her place, Selma Bacha brought her passion. Then Clara Mateo her technique. But that wasn’t enough.
Global Goal… and Paris 2024
This Thursday, the group of Corinne Deacon will therefore return to France after an adventure which will however have given rise to great promises. In a year, the World Cup in New Zealand and Australia will offer a new opportunity to try to reach a semi-final for this French women’s team, blocked in the semi-finals since the 2011 World Cup and the 2012 Olympics. Then will come the Paris 2024 Olympics followed by Euro 2025. Noël Le Graët, who had made the last four a goal, should renew the coach at the end of the contract.
It is a group which has therefore grown together which should face the next international competitions with the appetite born during this Euro which gave a glimpse that the best was possible. Of course, a final at Wembley on Sunday would have offered unique exposure to French women’s football. But the promises born of class technical gestures made, the rage displayed by the young tricolors and the smiles linked to the joy of qualifying for the semi-final, constitute solid foundations for the current group. The tears of this Wednesday evening too. The history of these Bleues only asks to continue to be written. But, this Thursday morning, it will be necessary to resolve it: they have stalled well in half. It is the end.