2015 WWC – Group F: France Versus England (1-0)

France beat England 1-0 on June 9th in Moncton in front of a crowd of 11,686. Eugenie Le Sommer netted the game’s lone goal at ’29.

Line Ups

 

France’s locker room, pre-game

France: Sarah Bouhaddi (GK), Jessica Houara, Laura Georges, Wendie Renard (c), Laure Boulleau, Amandine Henry, Camille Abily, Eodie Thomis (Dali 71’), Louisa Necib (Lavogez 87’), Eugenie Le Sommer (Bussaglia 81’), Gaetane Thiney

England’s locker room, pre-game

England: Karen Bardsley (GK), Alex Scott (Kirby 68’), Steph Houghton (c), Laura Bassett, Claire Rafferty, Katie Chapman (YC 66’, Moore 76’), Fara Williams, Jill Scott, Lucy Bronze, Ellen White (Duggan 60’), Eniola Aluko

Referee: Efthalia Mitsi (Greece)

Sorry this isn’t more in depth. I did not get to see either of these matches unfortunately. However, as much as I was hoping England could pull on over on France, that didn’t happen. One stat I found on FIFA’s website stated that while France had 16 shots, England only had 3. This wouldn’t be so shocking if France had dominated the possession, but instead they had 58% of possession while England held their own at 42%.

Thomis tackled by Williams

Scott down after a challenge

While losing, England coach Mark Sampson, doesn’t seem too upset by it.

Quotes

Philippe Bergeroo, France coach
We’re very satisfied with the win, which was achieved in difficult weather conditions. England closed the game down, but never really threatened us that much. I asked my players to keep the ball on the ground as much as possible to combat the wind. We controlled the match in the second half. Looking forward, this victory now puts us in a good position.

Mark Sampson, England coach
That was a real international-class match. Although the result was negative, there are still lots of positives we can take from the game. I’m most happy about how my defenders held firm against one of the best teams in the world. The players also proved that they’re in great physical condition. We’re going to dig deep and pull our socks up so we can be ready for our next two matches.

Next Group Matches – June 13

France vs. Columbia – 1:00 PM Eastern
England vs. Mexico – 4:00 PM Eastern

– Mandi