France Women 1-0 Netherlands Women: Extra time penalty earns semi-final spot for Blues

France women have punched their ticket to the semifinals of the Women’s Euros next week. They earned a 1-0 win over the Netherlands in extra time to get a hard-fought win. 

The Blues will now face Germany in the semi-final next week to determine who makes it to the finals of the competition. Vivianne Miadema returned for the Dutch and led the attack after recovering from COVID. However, she wasn’t able to find the back of the net to help her side to victory. 

France women earn semi-final spot late in extra time 

Les Blues will be without Marie-Antoinette Katoto for the rest of the tournament, but were able to get the win despite her absence. Kadidiatou Diani was able to cause a lot of issues for the opponents on the right flank, with a very lively start right from the get-go. 

The French dominated the first half, with their opponents barely getting a touch of the ball. Despite having several shots on target, the deadlock wasn’t broken in the first half. Miadema was able to get the first shot on target for her country in the second half. After half time, the Netherlands were able to put on a stronger and more motivated display. 

The momentum dropped off near the end of the 90, with both teams preparing for extra time. And with 10 minutes left on the clock, France were awarded a penalty which Eve Périsset converted to give her country the win.