France nip Belgium to win their group at Women’s Euro

Sports Desk, Jul 14 (EFE).- France got past Belgium 2-1 Thursday to book their spot in the quarterfinals of Women’s Euro 2022 England as the first place side in Group D with 6 points from 6.

Which of the other three teams advances will be determined in the final group-stage match.

Iceland, currently second on 2 points, will clinch the berth with a victory over France and even a draw would be good enough if Belgium and Italy – each with 1 point – draw in their match.

The French had 60 percent of the ball, outshot the Belgians 27-2 and won 11 corners to one for their opponents, but lacked the accuracy in the final third they demonstrated in their 5-1 thrashing of Italy.

Kandidiatou Diani put France ahead with a downward header in the 8th minute and would have made it 2-0 in the 17th if not for an impressive save by Belgian goalkeeper Nicky Evrard.

Instead, the next goal went to Belgium, as Janice Cayman scored in the 36th minute with an assist from Tessa Wullaert.

The joy for the Belgian supporters in the stands at New York Stadium in Rotherham lasted only until the 41st minute, when Griedge Mbock Bathy scored on the follow-up to a corner.

Evrard made another good stop in the 54th minute to keep Belgium in the game, denying Wendie Renard.

The French had a chance to nail down the 3 points in the 89th minute after VAR detected a hand-ball by Belgian defender Amber Tysiak, who was sent off with a second yellow card.

Renard took the kick and Evrard saved it.

Earlier Thursday in Manchester, Italy eked out a 1-1 draw with Iceland to avoid elimination.

The Nordic side went ahead in the 3rd minute on a goal by Karolina Vilhjalmsdottir off a throw-in and the Icelanders settled in to defend.

Italy dominated for the rest of the first half, but without posing any real threat, and their greater boldness in the second half left them vulnerable at the back.

Alexandra Johannsdottir fired just wide of the post on a brilliant opportunity to double the lead for Iceland in the 61st minute.

Italy would draw level seconds later with a goal from Valentina Bergamaschi.

Both teams had chances for a winner, but neither could convert.

EFE

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