ROTHERHAM, England (Reuters) – France secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Euros with a 2-1 win over Belgium in Group D on Friday, advancing with a game to spare.
Corinne Diacre’s side, one of the tournament favourites, took the lead in the sixth minute at the New York Stadium when Kadidiatou Diani arrived at the far post to head in Sakina Karchaoui’s deep cross.
Les Bleus dominated but were wasteful in front of goal. They were punished in the 36th minute when Belgium captain Tessa Wullaert put through forward Janice Cayman who slid to get a toe on the ball and sent it past goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, the team’s first touch in the opposition box.
That shock equaliser did not deter France, however, as just minutes later another header, this time from defender Griedge Mbock Bathy, restored their lead before halftime on Bastille Day.
The French had more chances in the second half but lacked the clinical edge to increase the advantage over their opponents, who were watched by Belgium men’s team manager Roberto Martinez in the 8,173 crowd.
They were given a soft penalty late on for handball by Belgium substitute Amber Tysiak when Grace Geyoro’s shot hit her arm, even though it was low and close to her side.
Tysiak was sent off for a second booking but France captain Wendie Renard had her spot-kick saved by Nicky Evrard and then missed the rebound.
Belgium can still reach the knockout phase as they are third in the group, one point behind Iceland who earlier drew 1-1 with Italy to earn their second point.
France, who have six points, will finish top but may have concerns over key forward Marie-Antoinette Katoto who went off injured early in the first half.
Italy are bottom of the group with one point.
(Reporting by Christian Radnedge; Editing by Ken Ferris)
