France breezed into the Euro 2022 quarter-finals with a game to spare by beating Belgium at Rotherham’s New York Stadium to progress as Group D winners.
Corinne Diacre’s side followed up their 5-1 thrashing of Italy with another impressive attacking display that should have seen them win by a bigger margin.
Kadidiatou Diani – one of France’s standout players so far – opened the scoring in the sixth minute when she headed in Sakina Karchaoui’s cross.
All five of France’s goals against Italy came in the first half and it looked like a repeat was on the cards as they continued to put pressure on the Belgium defence. Delphine Cascarino hit a shot from range just wide before an effort from Diani was pushed on to the post by goalkeeper Nicky Evrard.
Not even the loss of Marie-Antoinette Katoto to injury could halt the French attacks, although her early departure will be a cause for concern as they look to win a major tournament for the first time.
Belgium stunned their opponents as they equalised out of nowhere nine minutes before half-time when the ball was squeezed through to Janice Cayman, who prodded home from inside the area.
But France restored their lead five minutes later when Griedge Mbock Bathy sent a bullet of a header into the back of the net from Clara Mateo’s cross.
Despite their dominance, France were unable to add further goals after the break, even when they were awarded a late penalty when Amber Tysiak was adjudged to have handled the ball after a VAR review. Tysiak was shown a second yellow card but Wendy Renard’s spot kick was saved.
Ultimately, another goal was not needed and securing top spot means France will play the runner-up in Group C. The Netherlands currently top that group, with Sweden in second place.
