Semi-finalists of the 2011 World Cup and fourth in the 2012 Olympic Games, Les Bleues are among the favourites. After a clear round in the first round, they failed in the quarters on penalties, as in 2009/
Three days before the debut of the French women’s team in UEFA Euro 2022, Sunday against Italy in Rotherham (July 10, 9 p.m.), FFF.FR revisits the six editions in which Les Bleues took part before presenting the one who will occupy the summer. During each meeting, a witness of the time will give us his view. Fifth stage today with Euro 2013 and Corine Petit-Franco.
Roller coaster for Les Bleues in qualifying for Euro 2013. Bruno Bini’s players perfectly negotiated their elimination route by winning their eight Group 4 matches. The adventure began in September 2011, in the wake of a World Cup in exciting Germany finished in a historic fourth place. In Israel, they perform well (5-0). The next two trips were successful with three points brought from the Republic of Ireland (1-3) then from Wales (1-4). Victories followed by a great success at the expense of the Israeli selection in Troyes (5-0) marked by a hat-trick from Gaëtane Thiney, originally from Aube.
Coach Bruno Bini (photo ICON SPORT).
Halfway through, France was already in pole position before switching to 2012 with the same realism. The first proposed march was Scotland to Le Havre. A tough match concluded victoriously (2-0). Three days later, Élodie Thomis stunned Wales in the second leg by scoring three goals (4-0) in front of nearly 17,000 spectators at the Michel-d’Ornano stadium in Caen. The case was heard. All that remained was to complete the course to transform it into a “grand slam”. Mission accomplished with two cards made on the occasion of the reception of Ireland at Guingamp (4-0) then the trip to Edinburgh in Scotland (5-0).
Abily, Delannoy, cursed amounts
The Habs are playing the 5th final phase of a European Championship in their history. In Sweden, strong from the performances achieved during the 2011 World Cup and the 2012 Olympic Games (4th), they want to strike a blow. And this is the case in the first round. Opposed to entry Russia, Sandrine Soubeyrand’s teammates succeeded in their debut by winning thanks to the achievements of Marie-Laure Delie (doubled) and Eugénie Le Sommer (3-1). Three days later against Spain (1-0), Wendie Renard, scorer, allowed them to win their ticket to the quarter-finals before the third and final match. Guaranteed to finish in first place, they complete this group phase by dominating the English despite a reworked eleven (3-0).
Les Bleues during the penalty shootout (photo ICON SPORT).
In quarters, Denmark advances on their road. The start is sluggish and France led from the half hour mark but they put their foot on the ball and Louisa Necib equalized from the penalty spot (1-1). Despite a wide dominance and chances in overtime, especially when Abily found the bar (107th), the penalty shootout is inevitable. And as in 2009, the exercise does not smile on the players of Bruno Bini. First shooter, Necib sees her attempt diverted by Petersen while Sabrina Delannoy finds the post (1-1, 2 TAB 4). The adventure ends there. For the players as well as the coach, replaced during the summer by Philippe Bergeroo.
The list of players selected for Euro 2013
1. Celine Deville
2. Wendie Renard
3. Laure Boulleau
4. Laura Georges
5. Ophelie Meilleroux
6. Sandrine Soubeyrand
7. Corine Petit
8. Elise Bussaglia
9. Eugenie Le Sommer
10. Amandine Henry
11. Julie Soyer
12. Elodie Thomis
13. Camille Catala
14. Louisa Necib
15. Jessica Houara
16. Sarah Bouhaddi
17. Gaëtane Thiney
18. Marie-Laure Delie
19. Sandrine Brétigny
20. Viviane Asseyi
21. Karima Benameur
22. Sabrina Delannoy
23. Camille Abily
Coach: Bruno Bini.
The numbers indicated correspond to those worn by the players.
Les Bleues’ journey to Euro 2013
FIRST ROUND – Group B
Results
Ranking 1.France
9 points (+6)
2. Spain, 4 pts (0)
3. Russia, 2 pts (-2)
4. England, 1 pt (-4)
QUARTERFINAL July 22, 2013:France
-Danemark : 1-1, 2 TAB 4
Read also :
The witness: Corine Petit Franco: “XX”
Euro 1997, entries in history
Euro 2001, broken promises
Euro 2005, a bitter England
