France's Women's National Team clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Sweden in their second qualifying match for the Women's Euro 2025. The match saw Wendie Renard scoring the decisive goal in the final 10 minutes, securing another 3 points for Les Bleues.
Despite facing challenges in scoring against Sweden, France's relentless efforts paid off when Renard found the back of the net with a well-placed shot. The victory marked France's second consecutive 1-0 win, following their triumph over the Republic of Ireland just four days earlier.
Renard's goal, coming after a header from Katoto and a cross from Karchaoui, showcased her prowess as one of the team's top scorers, even while playing as a center-back. Her solo effort proved crucial in a match where both Delphine Cascarino and Eugénie Le Sommer had to be substituted due to injuries.
France's solid defensive display, highlighted by Bacha's goal-line save in the first half, laid the foundation for their victory. The midfield trio of Toletti, Dali, and Geyoro played a pivotal role in controlling the game and creating opportunities.
Despite a disallowed goal by Sweden in the 55th minute, France continued to dominate and eventually broke the deadlock through Renard's goal in the 80th minute. The win on Swedish soil holds immense value for France in their quest for Euro qualification.
However, the victory was overshadowed by the injuries to Cascarino and Le Sommer, casting doubt on their availability for the upcoming matches. Cascarino, who recently returned from an ACL injury, was substituted in the 40th minute, while Le Sommer had to leave the field after the hour mark.
The injuries to key players present a challenge for France's head coach Sonia Bompastor, especially with crucial matches on the horizon, including the semi-final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain.
In terms of formations, Sweden lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, while France opted for a 5-3-2 setup. The match showcased France's resilience and determination, securing a vital victory in their Euro qualification campaign.