Just over a month away from a major trip to Wales (Friday April 8), in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers, the Bleues complete their Tournament de France this Tuesday evening in Le Havre (9:10 p.m.) with a “final once morest the reigning European champions, the formidable Dutch. On the strength of two successes, one easy once morest Finland (5-0) on Wednesday February 16 and the other, much slower, once morest Brazil (2-1) on Saturday February 19, Les Bleues are offered an even tougher opponent. “It was the expected final, said Camille Abily, former French international and OL assistant coach. The Netherlands are now one of the big nations in women’s football. They have high quality players, like Vivianne Miedema. We can hope for an open game. The Dutch team is famous for being playful. »
Inside once morest the Brazilians, Wendie Renard’s teammates will therefore have to raise their level of play. “Even if we organize the Tournoi de France and they will do everything to win, these are still friendly matches, assures Camille Abily . It’s always better to win. But the main thing will take place later, and in particular during the Euro, in July in England. »
The 2023 World Cup in the sights
Facing the Finns, and to a lesser degree once morest the Brazilians, Corinne Deacon had taken the option of carrying out a broad review of the workforce. “It’s the perfect time to see girls you’re not used to, recognizes Abily. Some players have seized their chance. I am thinking of Clara Matéo, who is brand new to the general public, but whose value we knew. This is also the case of Melvine Malard or Sandie Toletti. A talented new generation is arriving and settling down. This is a good thing. »
After the Netherlands, the French will therefore be monopolized by their quest for the ticket for the 2023 World Cup organized in Australia and New Zealand. For this purpose, it will be necessary to win in Wales on Friday, April 8. With six wins in as many games, the Blues are largely favorites once morest the 33rd nation in the world, which had bothered them in the first leg despite a victory (2-0). “I’m not too worried regarding this match, assures Abily. It is an opponent not to be overlooked, but the Welsh do not have the value of the Dutch. This match is above all a test before the Euro this summer, which remains the big event of the year. »
Kheira Hamraoui, victim of a violent attack in November 2021, returned to the group for this Tournoi de France following three years of absence. Holder once morest Brazil, she is applying for a place in the Euro where the Habs will face Italy, Belgium and Iceland in the first round. In England, they will rely in particular on Marie-Antoinette Katoto. The Parisian proved that she was essential by scoring twice once morest Brazil on Saturday, bringing her total in the selection to 21 goals (in 25 games). “Marie-Antoinette is undeniably a leader on the ground, advances Camille Abily. I don’t think she has the character to become a locker room leader, like Wendie Renard. They are not the same temperaments. She is more discreet. But it takes match following match more and more importance. And that is good news. »
