Here are the Blues on opposing soil. Leaving Adelaide on Wednesday after beating Morocco (4-0) on Tuesday in the round of 16, they took up residence in the middle of the afternoon in a large hotel on the banks of the river that crosses Brisbane. Australia’s third largest city is the capital of Queensland, on the east coast of the continent. It is above all the stronghold of the Matildas, the Australian players, since the start of the competition. A thoughtful choice for a selection that wanted to be based in the heart of the state most attached to “soccer”, as they call it here.
In a hotel located less than 3 km from that of the French, the hosts of the World Cup have their habits. They feel good there and benefit from strong local support. This does not guarantee victory since the Australians lost their second group match at Suncorp Stadium (52,000 seats) against Nigeria (3-2). Quite the opposite of the Habs who played there and won their second meeting against Brazil (2-1), a reference for them in this World Cup. Perhaps already a sign in favor of France…
Other good news for Les Bleues: the weather is nicer in Brisbane than in Adelaide. The southern hemisphere remains in the middle of its winter but we approach 25 degrees, even 30 under the sun. “It’s more pleasant under this temperature and the city is warmer, rejoices Grace Geyoro. If we’re here, it’s because we’re continuing the adventure, so it’s positive”. Wednesday was all about travel and recovery, with treatments planned for the group before a free evening.
“The trip was rather quick, says Ève Perisset. We had time to sleep, to recover this morning. We have an evening devoted to care to plan ahead for Saturday’s match. We saw our families at the hotel, we all ate together after the game yesterday. It was cool, it feels good”. Hervé Renard’s players will return to training on Thursday for a day completely behind closed doors. The opportunity for the final adjustments and to test the thigh of Maëlle Lakrar, who did not play a minute against Morocco. The central defender, if recovered, will start on Saturday against Australia.
We must also watch the right ankle of Selma Bacha, holder in the left lane. “Count on me,” she told us. “She’s a warrior,” confirms Geyoro. We still have two days for her to recover and be fit for Australia. For Maëlle, I also trust the medical staff. “They were smiling, they were going well so we’re not worried,” continues Eve Périsset, who assures that “everyone will be there on Saturday. »
