Latest news with #CorinneDiacre
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
P27, W0, D1, L26: Why England v Italy offers that rarest of prospects – a ‘big six' Euros upset
There are a couple of paradoxes in international women's football in Europe at the moment. The first is that, while the overall quality of the game is steadily improving year on year, it is difficult to make a case that any individual side has dramatically improved in relation to the others. The accepted hierarchy is still in place. In other words, the six favourites going into Euro 2022 were the same six favourites going into Euro 2025: England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. No one has yet evolved from being one of the 'other' nations to being one of the favourites. The second is related. While the outsiders have become better at competing with the favourites — there are no longer any huge thrashings at the European Championship, and the biggest margin of victory at this tournament has been by a fairly respectable five goals — they are not actually managing to defeat them. Or, in actual fact, even get a draw against them. The statistics demonstrate this nicely. At Euro 2022, there were 16 matches between one of the 'big six' and the 'other 10'. Those matches produced 15 victories for the favourites, and a single draw. That draw was recorded with the final kick of the group stage, when Iceland scored a 112th-minute penalty against a France side who were already assured of top spot in Group D, and therefore had made six changes for a game played in 36-degree heat. The equaliser, admitted France manager Corinne Diacre after the game, 'wasn't that important given the situation'. It's fair to suspect that, had France needed to beat Iceland, they would have. It's been a similar story this time around. The 11 matches between one of the favourites and the 'other 11' at Euro 2025 have produced 10 victories for the favourites. And only Denmark have (twice) held the opposition to merely a one-goal victory, losing 1-0 to neighbours Sweden, and 2-1 to Germany, ensuring their elimination after two matches. Denmark, of course, will not be celebrating this as much of an achievement. Indeed, Denmark are the side who inflicted the last genuine shock at the European Championship, in 2017. Going into the quarter-final, they were given little hope against a Germany side who had won eight of the previous nine European Championships. But after the match was postponed by a day due to torrential rain in Rotterdam, Denmark produced a huge upset by coming back from a goal down to win 2-1. It was only the second time since 1989 that Germany had not won the European Championship. The Danes subsequently reached the final in 2017, beating relative minnows Austria on penalties in the semi-final, before losing to hosts the Netherlands 4-2 in the final. But that seems a long time ago. And now, the underdogs' record against the 'big six' at the past two tournaments is played 27, won none, drawn one, and lost 26. Which does not make for a particularly appealing competition for viewers hoping for the unexpected. On Tuesday in Geneva, Italy have the final opportunity in this European Championship to provide the Euros' first genuine shock, when they take on holders England. In some ways, it is a shame to be speaking about Italy in such a fashion, considering their period of relative success in the 1990s. As other European nations have put more resources into women's football, Italy stood still and therefore slipped behind. The Italian game remains something of a mystery to many, with almost all the national team players remaining at home, and relatively little Italian involvement in the final stages of the Champions League. It is clear, from speaking to four-time Serie A-winning manager Rita Guarino before the tournament, that English football and the Women's Super League is considered a template for Italy to follow. That includes bidding to host this tournament in four years' time, having witnessed the success of Euro 2022. It might seem patronising to consider Italy underdogs, but then the general pattern from this tournament is players and managers declaring the opposition are favourites. And, after all, Italy are suited to the role. For all the brilliance of playmaker Manuela Giugliano, they probably do not have the guile to dominate the game against England. But they have centre-backs who will relish a physical duel against Alessia Russo (of Italian descent, as it happens), full-backs who have provided a stream of good crosses throughout this tournament, attacking midfielders who make direct runs on the break, and a major penalty-box threat in Cristiana Girelli. Andrea Soncin's side showed enough against Spain in their final group game to suggest they will cause England problems, primarily on the counter-attack. An Italian win would be popular across Europe — it would not merely be a victory for themselves, but for everyone outside the established 'big six'. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. England, Italy, Women's Soccer, Women's Euros 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
P27, W0, D1, L26: Why England v Italy offers that rarest of prospects – a ‘big six' Euros upset
There are a couple of paradoxes in international women's football in Europe at the moment. The first is that, while the overall quality of the game is steadily improving year on year, it is difficult to make a case that any individual side has dramatically improved in relation to the others. The accepted hierarchy is still in place. Advertisement In other words, the six favourites going into Euro 2022 were the same six favourites going into Euro 2025: England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden. No one has yet evolved from being one of the 'other' nations to being one of the favourites. The second is related. While the outsiders have become better at competing with the favourites — there are no longer any huge thrashings at the European Championship, and the biggest margin of victory at this tournament has been by a fairly respectable five goals — they are not actually managing to defeat them. Or, in actual fact, even get a draw against them. The statistics demonstrate this nicely. At Euro 2022, there were 16 matches between one of the 'big six' and the 'other 10'. Those matches produced 15 victories for the favourites, and a single draw. That draw was recorded with the final kick of the group stage, when Iceland scored a 112th-minute penalty against a France side who were already assured of top spot in Group D, and therefore had made six changes for a game played in 36-degree heat. The equaliser, admitted France manager Corinne Diacre after the game, 'wasn't that important given the situation'. It's fair to suspect that, had France needed to beat Iceland, they would have. It's been a similar story this time around. The 11 matches between one of the favourites and the 'other 11' at Euro 2025 have produced 10 victories for the favourites. And only Denmark have (twice) held the opposition to merely a one-goal victory, losing 1-0 to neighbours Sweden, and 2-1 to Germany, ensuring their elimination after two matches. Denmark, of course, will not be celebrating this as much of an achievement. Indeed, Denmark are the side who inflicted the last genuine shock at the European Championship, in 2017. Going into the quarter-final, they were given little hope against a Germany side who had won eight of the previous nine European Championships. But after the match was postponed by a day due to torrential rain in Rotterdam, Denmark produced a huge upset by coming back from a goal down to win 2-1. It was only the second time since 1989 that Germany had not won the European Championship. Advertisement The Danes subsequently reached the final in 2017, beating relative minnows Austria on penalties in the semi-final, before losing to hosts the Netherlands 4-2 in the final. But that seems a long time ago. And now, the underdogs' record against the 'big six' at the past two tournaments is played 27, won none, drawn one, and lost 26. Which does not make for a particularly appealing competition for viewers hoping for the unexpected. On Tuesday in Geneva, Italy have the final opportunity in this European Championship to provide the Euros' first genuine shock, when they take on holders England. In some ways, it is a shame to be speaking about Italy in such a fashion, considering their period of relative success in the 1990s. As other European nations have put more resources into women's football, Italy stood still and therefore slipped behind. The Italian game remains something of a mystery to many, with almost all the national team players remaining at home, and relatively little Italian involvement in the final stages of the Champions League. It is clear, from speaking to four-time Serie A-winning manager Rita Guarino before the tournament, that English football and the Women's Super League is considered a template for Italy to follow. That includes bidding to host this tournament in four years' time, having witnessed the success of Euro 2022. It might seem patronising to consider Italy underdogs, but then the general pattern from this tournament is players and managers declaring the opposition are favourites. And, after all, Italy are suited to the role. For all the brilliance of playmaker Manuela Giugliano, they probably do not have the guile to dominate the game against England. But they have centre-backs who will relish a physical duel against Alessia Russo (of Italian descent, as it happens), full-backs who have provided a stream of good crosses throughout this tournament, attacking midfielders who make direct runs on the break, and a major penalty-box threat in Cristiana Girelli. Advertisement Andrea Soncin's side showed enough against Spain in their final group game to suggest they will cause England problems, primarily on the counter-attack. An Italian win would be popular across Europe — it would not merely be a victory for themselves, but for everyone outside the established 'big six'.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wendie Renard insists France career not over amid ‘disbelief, injustice' of Euro 2025 omission
Wendie Renard insists her 'career is not over' after France's former captain was dropped by manager Laurent Bonadei, describing the 'disbelief, injustice' she has felt. OL Lyonnes centre-back Renard, with 168 international appearances and considered a legend of the game, was not selected for the two Nations League games against Switzerland (May 30) and Iceland (June 3). At that point, according to Renard, she had not been told what that meant for the European Championships. Advertisement 'I understood from the press conference (to announce the Euros squad on June 5) that I wouldn't be playing,' Renard told Martinique La Premiere, a France TV channel. 'I got a call from the coach beforehand because there were two Nations League matches before. But after that, it's the coach's decision, and I have to respect and accept it. But it's incomprehensible. 'We ask ourselves lots of questions, questions that are in my head and that I will keep to myself. There is disbelief, injustice. I can wake up in the morning and look at myself in the mirror. 'I gave it my all. Only God knows why I am not on that list. I wish this team success and hope they win the title. Choices have been made, and I can only wish them success.' Advertisement Renard had been France captain since 2013 but has endured some turbulent times with the national team. After taking charge in late 2017, coach Corinne Diacre stripped Renard of the captaincy. Renard writes in her book, Mon Etoile (My Star), that Diacre said she was at '40 per cent of her capacity with the French team' and 'perhaps the armband took up too much of her energy'. In March 2023, Renard withdrew herself from selection for that year's World Cup, stating she 'can no longer support the current system which is far from the requirements of the highest level'. Following the sacking of Diacre, Renard returned to the squad under Herve Renard (no relation to Wendie) but was unable to guide her team beyond the quarter-final stage of the World Cup or the 2024 Paris Olympics. Advertisement 'I have always given 30,000, 40,000 per cent for this shirt, which I hold above everything else,' she said. 'That will always be the case because I believe my career is not over. It's the coach's decision, but everything in its own time.' France start their Euro campaign against defending champions England on Saturday in Group D. This article originally appeared in The Athletic. France, Women's Soccer, Women's Euros 2025 The Athletic Media Company
New York Times
04-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Wendie Renard insists France career not over amid ‘disbelief, injustice' of Euro 2025 omission
Wendie Renard insists her 'career is not over' after France's former captain was dropped by manager Laurent Bonadei, describing the 'disbelief, injustice'. OL Lyonnes centre-back Renard, with 168 international appearances and considered a legend of the game, was not selected for the two Nations League games against Switzerland (May 30) and Iceland (June 3). At that point, according to Renard, she had not been told what that meant for the European Championships. Advertisement 'I understood from the press conference (to announce the Euros squad on June 5) that I wouldn't be playing,' Renard told Martinique La Premiere, a France TV channel. 'I got a call from the coach beforehand because there were two Nations League matches before. But after that, it's the coach's decision, and I have to respect and accept it. But it's incomprehensible. 'We ask ourselves lots of questions, questions that are in my head and that I will keep to myself. There is disbelief, injustice. I can wake up in the morning and look at myself in the mirror. 'I gave it my all. Only God knows why I am not on that list. I wish this team success and hope they win the title. Choices have been made, and I can only wish them success.' Renard had been France captain since 2013 but has endured some turbulent times with the national team. After taking charge in late 2017, coach Corinne Diacre stripped Renard of the captaincy. Renard writes in her book, Mon Etoile (My Star), that Diacre said she was at '40 per cent of her capacity with the French team' and 'perhaps the armband took up too much of her energy'. In March 2023, Renard withdrew herself from selection for that year's World Cup, stating she 'can no longer support the current system which is far from the requirements of the highest level'. Following the sacking of Diacre, Renard returned to the squad under Herve Renard (no relation to Wendie) but was unable to guide her team beyond the quarter-final stage of the World Cup or the 2024 Paris Olympics. 'I have always given 30,000, 40,000 per cent for this shirt, which I hold above everything else,' she said. 'That will always be the case because I believe my career is not over. It's the coach's decision, but everything in its own time.' France start their Euro campaign against defending champions England on Saturday in Group D. (Franco Arland – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
New York Times
28-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Euro 2025: France team guide – will drastic changes transform their fortunes?
France — always in the mix in the major tournaments of the women's game, yet still without a trophy. As the 2019 World Cup's hosts, they lost to eventual champions the United States in the quarter-finals and failed to build a legacy from that tournament. Corinne Diacre managed them to a Euro 2022 semi-final but was sacked the following March after the French Football Federation (FFF) said the 'fracture' between players and hierarchy seemed 'irreversible'. Herve Renard brought fresh hope, but left his post last summer after back-to-back quarter-final exits from the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics, which were also staged in France. Laurent Bonadei, who has previously Renard's assistant, is a man prepared to shake things up, having chosen not to select French legends Wendie Renard (168 caps) and Eugenie Le Sommer (200) for Euro 2025. More on that below. The 55-year-old stepped up to the top job following the Olympics in August, signing a contract until 2027, with France's FA saying it wanted a coach familiar with the French national team and women's football. This is his first senior managerial position, having worked under Renard with the Saudi Arabia men's national team and then France's women. He previously coached youth and reserve sides in the men's game at Paris Saint-Germain and Nice respectively. Now, his aim is delivering major-tournament success for his country. France set up most often in a 4-3-3 but can also play with a back three. Bonadei wants them to be comfortable in both systems. At times, Sandie Toletti drops deeper as the single 'pivot' (holding midfielder), with creative players Grace Geyoro and Sakina Karchaoui pushing forward as the two 'No 8s' (central midfielders). Advertisement With the speed of Kadidiatou Diani, Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore and the support of full-backs, France can press aggressively to win the ball high up the pitch and launch quick and direct counter-attacks. There is also more pace in the new centre-back partnership of Griedge Mbock and Maelle Lakrar. France use their width well, especially on the left with Selma Bacha, a front-footed full-back, and Karchaoui, who puts in teasing crosses. They have occasionally lacked efficiency in front of goal, though. Add Baltimore, who is coming off a standout debut season at Chelsea, to the dynamic duo of Bacha and Karchaoui, and you have a terrifying trio on the left side. Away from the flair, Paris Saint-Germain captain Geyoro is key to maintaining control in midfield and linking play. Keep an eye on striker Katoto, who was the top scorer at last summer's Olympics, scoring five goals even as her team only won two of their four games. Consecutive quarter-final exits at the World Cup and the Olympics (making it eight defeats at that stage of tournaments for France's women since 2009) raise the question: can they handle the pressure? Despite an abundance of talent, the French have consistently failed to get the job done. New captain Mbock must create a collective greater than the sum of its parts. Oh, yes! Bonadei surprisingly omitted former captain Renard, France women's all-time top goalscorer Le Sommer and San Diego Wave's Kenza Dali even before their Nations League games a month ago against Switzerland and Iceland. These 'historic' players, in the coach's words, have 444 caps between them. 'As Einstein said, 'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result',' Bonadei told a news conference in May. 'I want different results for this team, so I have gone with a different selection.' After a disappointing performance at their home Olympics under Renard, Bonadei kicked off his tenure with some patchy results: two wins and two defeats, with eight goals scored but seven conceded, including a 4-2 loss to world champions Spain. Since the turn of the year, they have performed very well, winning all six of their Nations League matches. France conceded just two goals and topped their group, qualifying for a semi-final against Germany in October with two games to spare. The absences of Renard, Le Sommer and Dali did not seem to rock the boat, and there have been convincing wins in the run-up to the tournament, albeit against a mixed standard of opposition — Switzerland (4-0), Iceland (2-0), Belgium (5-0) and Brazil (3-2). When Renard was appointed, he and the FFF agreed on two key objectives: to reach at least the semi-finals at the 2023 World Cup and last year's Paris-hosted Olympics. Neither happened. This time around the FFF has avoided setting such ambitions and Bonadei has even called his team outsiders, all with an eye on the 2027 World Cup. Of course, both parties would love to win but realistically reaching the semi-finals would meet expectations. They face stern opposition in their group: reigning champions England await in the opening game, while their third and final match against the Netherlands could prove crucial to their hopes of progressing to the knockouts. Wales will hardly roll over in the middle game, either. Katoto has had rotten luck with major tournaments. The Paris Saint-Germain No 9 was not selected for the 2019 World Cup despite finishing as the French top flight's leading goalscorer the previous season, then suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury in the second group game at Euro 2022 and did not recover from it in time to play in the World Cup a year later.
