France avoid early World Cup shock, defeat fellow Group F side England
France used a first half goal from Eugenie Le Sommer and a patient, possession style of play to defeat a punchless England side 1-0 Tuesday in the opening match of Women's World Cup Group F play.
While the French failed to make better use of their possession, not testing English keeper Karen Bardsley often enough, they never seemed in trouble against an England side that could not construct much of anything going forward.
"We’re very satisfied with the win, which was achieved in difficult weather conditions," France manager Philippe Bergeroo told FIFA's official website on Tuesday night. "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."
The French settled more quickly in windy, sometimes wet weather on the artifical surface, their ball control approach through midfield better served by the conditions than England's occasional forays with long balls toward intended targets. Both teams found reading the pace of the turf and the bounce of the ball difficult throughout the afternoon, attacks often faltering because passes were too strong or direct balls forward could not be brought quickly under control.
The result was a match that often saw England's Eniola Aluko totally isolated at the front of an attack which did not manage to create fluently. France was not as sharp as they might have liked, either, Louisa Necib often kept wide by the defensive attentions of the English and several attempted quick passing moves near the box failing to materialize.
Le Sommer's goal in the 29th minute was a good strike from the top right of the penalty area which had just enough power to elude the diving Bardsley, who got hands to the ball but could not keep it out of her net. It was a rare occasion when the French elected to have a go instead of looking for one more pass to create an opening.
Jill Scott finally managed the only true England shot in the 56th minute when she first-timed a shot from a corner straight at French keeper Sarah Bouhaddi, whose own unforced error had created the opportunity in the first place. Even the occasionally promising runs of veteran England right back Alex Scott failed to produce real danger in the French penalty area.
The French were content to pass the ball sideways, backwards to Bouhaddi, across the field to unmarked receivers as England found it impossible to exert enough pressure on the ball to keep France from controlling the pace and tenor of the match. The English often were unable to make the first pass out of defense an effective one allowing France to regain possession, thereby letting them manage their lead comfortably.
"That was a real international-class match. Although the result was negative, there are still lots of positives we can take from the game," England manager Mark Sampson said on FIFA's website. "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."
