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FRANCE TAKE ON KOREA REPUBLIC IN THE ROUND OF 16. READ OUR KOREA PREVIEW HERE.
Group performance
France were almost everyone's favourites to top Group F before a ball was kicked, and a 1-0 opening win over old enemies England highlighted the ruthless, experienced and often pragmatic approach that had many hailing Philippe Bergeroo’s team as potential dark horses for the tournament.
However, were faced with a potential disaster after their shock loss to Colombia, arguably one of the biggest Women’s World Cup upsets in history. This was a display marked by petulance, complacency and an obvious belief throughout the squad that they simply had to turn up for an easy three points. It was the kind of result that can ruin tournaments for a team and it certainly cast huge doubts over the French claim.
These doubts were dispelled just 30 seconds into their final game against Mexico, eventually running out 5-0 winners to get their World Cup assault back on track. Ultimately, France topped the group as expected but with the side yet to hit their strides and with the psychological effects of the Colombia loss still bound to remain in the system, it remains to be seen how far they can go.
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| France will be looking to take care of business |
On paper, France have been given a very generous draw against Korea Republic who finished runners up in Group E. They are clearly the superior team with a higher quality of player that should eventually best a side who were perhaps fortunate to beat Spain and were guilty of letting a lead slip against Costa Rica.
France have held the most possession out of any team at the World Cup and in each group game have dominated the shot count by a huge amount. Eventually in one of these games their pressure will have to tell. Eugenie Le Sommer is a nightmare for central defenders and Elodie Thomis, who wreaked havoc all afternoon against Mexico with her direct running and wing-play, will be a huge threat from the right-hand side.
Meanwhile, if Louisa Necib returns to the starting line-up after being unceremoniously dropped against Mexico she will no doubt be hungry to inflict as much pain on the Korean defence as possible. Necib, undoubtedly one of the world’s finest talents, has done nothing all tournament for France – surely she’s bound to step up if selected here, and if so, it will likely be to devastating effect.
They’ll be knocked-out by Korea because…
Although France may have dominated the possession during the group stages they struggled to create genuine goal scoring opportunities in their opening two games. Louisa Necib has of course been kept quiet so far and this will need to continue should Korea have any chance (of course, Necib would need to return to the starting line-up first). If Korea set up to frustrate them in a similar way to an ultra-conservative England and if they take an early chance as Lady Andrade did for Colombia, France will find themselves in a very uncomfortable position. But it’s unlikely.
Can they win the World Cup?
Of course. This is one of the most technically gifted sides in the tournament and the spine of Renard/Georges, Henry and Le Sommer is one brimming with quality. France haven’t even got into second gear yet which is an ominous sign for Korea and possibly future opposition.
Yet the lack of cutting edge has been obvious during the group stages and if France are going to get anywhere near the final they need to be more clinical in the final third and convert chances when they come. It’s also hard to see them winning if Louisa Necib continues to be this anonymous. One wonders whether the opposition defences have been informed of the Zidane comparisons.
Best moment of the tournament so far
The fact that there isn’t a genuine standout moment for the French so far is testament to the theory that they haven’t played that well, despite all their territorial dominance and their wins over England and Mexico. So perhaps their best moment of the World Cup so far was Amandine Henry’s sensational strike against Mexico – not only because of the goal but because it came from their most consistently excellent performer so far.
Key Player
Gaetane Thiney, France’s leading scorer during qualification, has found life difficult in Canada: often too tentative with the ball and guilty of losing key physical battles with opposition defenders. Luckily for France, Eugenie Le Sommer has stepped up and has certainly made herself first choice between the pair. In stark contrast to the laissez-faire Thiney, she is a player who has shown fantastic industry combined with great desire and flair. She has had a crucial role in almost every French goal and her link up play has been generally outstanding. Le Sommer holds the key to French success.
Injuries/suspensions
Laure Boulleau limped off against Mexico with a knee twist but she should be given the green light against Korea.