Zürich, Switzerland–The unthinkable happened on Saturday evening as France delivered a seismic 2-1 upset victory over defending champions England in their Women’s Euro Group D opener, ending manager Sarina Wiegman’s perfect record at European Championship finals and sending shockwaves through the tournament.
Match Essentials:
- Competition: UEFA Women’s European Championship – Group D
- Result: France 2-1 England
- Historic Significance: First reigning Women’s Euro champions to lose opener at next tournament
- Wiegman’s Record: First defeat in 13 Euro finals matches
- Location: Zürich, Switzerland (Stadion Letzigrund)
The Perfect Storm Unfolds
In what can only be described as a masterclass in counter-attacking football, France dismantled England’s championship aura with two devastating first-half strikes that left the Lionesses reeling and their army of supporters stunned into silence.
The breakthrough came in the 36th minute through a moment of pure tactical brilliance. Élisa De Almeida’s perfectly timed interception sparked a lightning-quick counter-attack that epitomized French efficiency. The ball found its way to Delphine Cascarino, who raced down the flank before delivering a pinpoint cross for Marie-Antoinette Katoto to apply the simplest of finishes from close range.
Baltimore’s Moment of Magic
If Katoto’s goal was about collective brilliance, Sandy Baltimore’s strike three minutes later was pure individual artistry. The French forward embarked on a mesmeric solo run, dancing through England’s defense with a series of feints and turns that left defenders grasping at shadows. Just when it seemed she might lose possession, Baltimore unleashed a spectacular effort from a tight angle that soared high over Mary Earps into the net.
England’s Uncharacteristic Struggle
For a team that had dominated European football under Wiegman’s guidance, England looked uncharacteristically lost. The Lionesses, who had grown accustomed to controlling games through patient build-up play, found themselves caught in France’s tactical web.
“We needed to get out of the first press and skip (a player), and that harmed us a bit and they scored goals,” Wiegman admitted post-match to ITV. “When we were out of their press, we were too sloppy. We know that they are really strong on the counter, they are strong players and fast players… we know France are really good, but we caused a little bit our own problems.”
The statistics told the story of England’s struggles – remarkably, they failed to register a single shot on target until Keira Walsh’s long-range effort in the 87th minute finally gave them hope.
Dramatic Late Surge
Walsh’s strike from distance sparked a frantic final few minutes that had hearts racing across both sets of supporters. The goal transformed England from a team lacking ideas into a side desperately hunting an equalizer.
Alessia Russo and Grace Clinton both came agonizingly close to leveling the score, while 19-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang saw her goal-bound effort heroically blocked by Selma Bacha, who threw herself at everything in the closing minutes to preserve France’s historic victory.
Leadership Under Pressure
England captain Leah Williamson didn’t shy away from the harsh reality, acknowledging individual errors while already focusing on the road ahead.
“Everyone take responsibility for themselves and have a look. Tomorrow we have a new game plan, different places available and different opposition,” she stated with the composure that has defined her leadership.
Group D Dynamics Shift
This result has completely transformed Group D’s landscape. The Netherlands, who earlier defeated Wales 3-0 with Vivianne Miedema’s historic 100th international goal, now top the group ahead of their crucial Wednesday clash with England in Zurich. France, meanwhile, can secure knockout stage qualification with a victory over Wales in St. Gallen the same evening.
Historical Significance
Beyond the immediate tournament implications, this victory represents a seismic shift in European women’s football. France has announced themselves as a genuine contender while ending one of the most remarkable managerial records in international football.
Wiegman’s journey from the Netherlands’ 2017 triumph to England’s 2022 success had been built on tactical perfection and mental resilience. Saturday’s defeat, while painful, may ultimately serve as the catalyst for England’s championship defense.
The defending champions now face a must-win scenario against the Netherlands – a team they know intimately through their manager’s previous success. The stage is set for one of the most anticipated matches in Women’s Euro history.
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