Latest news with #Geyoro
The Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-France's European run ended by familiar foe Germany
Soccer Football - UEFA Women's Euro 2025 - Quarter Final - France v Germany - St. Jakob-Park, Basel, Switzerland - July 19, 2025 France's Alice Sombath looks dejected after losing the penalty shoot-out REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo BASEL, Switzerland (Reuters) -Heartbroken France were left lamenting another European exit at the hands of Germany on Saturday in a stunning 6-5 penalty shootout loss in the Euro 2025 quarter-finals, leaving Les Bleues still searching for their first major tournament title. The loss came despite having a player advantage for most of the game, after Germany's Kathrin Hendrich was sent offfor a tug on the hair of Griege Mbock Bathy in the box in the 13th minute. Grace Geyoro's ensuing penalty kick in the 13th minute was France's only goal in a bruising match that was tied 1-1 at the end of extra time. "It's very cruel, it's very difficult," Geyoro said. "We don't realize it yet, and there's a lot of disappointment and frustration at going out like that tonight. We're wondering when it's going to be smiling for us at last. It's difficult, frankly it's hard, that's football. I'm disappointed." The loss conjured memories of Euro 2022 when Germany dispatched France 2-1 in the semifinals before losing to England for the title. Despite the man advantage, France seemed to wither as the minutes wore on against the eight-times European champions. "We're sorry because when you're eleven against ten, you know that your set-pieces, numerical superiority do not exist anymore, so we had to avoid giving them those situations," coach Laurent Bonadei said. "We didn't manage to find the back of the net except for two goals that were flagged offside. It's a shame, we didn't need much. Especially after what we'd done in the group phase, I thought we were getting stronger." France indeed had their chances, with goals by Delphine Cascarino and Geyoro chalked off for offside in each half. Melvine Malard clanged a rocket off the crossbar in the dying seconds of extra time. "I'm obviously disappointed," France goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin said. "They were down to ten against 11, so even more disappointed. Finishing on penalties and going out like that is always the worst way to go. "It was a complicated game, they were behind for almost 90 minutes and they were sending warheads up front. "We're a bit down, we've just taken a blow to the back of the head." France's Amel Majri and Alice Sombath had their penalties saved in the shootout, with Sombath's spelling the end of France's tournament, as the heartbroken players collapsed on the pitch. "There's obviously a lot of disappointment," Geyoro said. "We really wanted to go all the way, but unfortunately we stop at the quarter-finals. Leaving the tournament just before the semi-finals is a real blow." (Reporting by Lori Ewing, Editing by Franklin Paul)
The Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
France's European run ended by familiar foe Germany
HEARTBROKEN France were left lamenting another European exit at the hands of Germany on Saturday in a stunning 6-5 penalty shootout loss in the Euro 2025 quarter-finals, leaving Les Bleues still searching for their first major tournament title. The loss came despite having a player advantage for most of the game, after Germany's Kathrin Hendrich was sent off for a tug on the hair of Griege Mbock Bathy in the box in the 13th minute. Grace Geyoro's ensuing penalty kick in the 13th minute was France's only goal in a bruising match that was tied 1-1 at the end of extra time. 'It's very cruel, it's very difficult,' Geyoro said. 'We don't realize it yet, and there's a lot of disappointment and frustration at going out like that tonight. We're wondering when it's going to be smiling for us at last. It's difficult, frankly it's hard, that's football. I'm disappointed.' The loss conjured memories of Euro 2022 when Germany dispatched France 2-1 in the semifinals before losing to England for the title. Despite the man advantage, France seemed to wither as the minutes wore on against the eight-times European champions. 'We're sorry because when you're eleven against ten, you know that your set-pieces, numerical superiority do not exist anymore, so we had to avoid giving them those situations,' coach Laurent Bonadei said. 'We didn't manage to find the back of the net except for two goals that were flagged offside. It's a shame, we didn't need much. Especially after what we'd done in the group phase, I thought we were getting stronger.' France indeed had their chances, with goals by Delphine Cascarino and Geyoro chalked off for offside in each half. Melvine Malard clanged a rocket off the crossbar in the dying seconds of extra time. 'I'm obviously disappointed,' France goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin said. 'They were down to ten against 11, so even more disappointed. Finishing on penalties and going out like that is always the worst way to go. 'It was a complicated game, they were behind for almost 90 minutes and they were sending warheads up front. 'We're a bit down, we've just taken a blow to the back of the head.' France's Amel Majri and Alice Sombath had their penalties saved in the shootout, with Sombath's spelling the end of France's tournament, as the heartbroken players collapsed on the pitch. 'There's obviously a lot of disappointment,' Geyoro said. 'We really wanted to go all the way, but unfortunately we stop at the quarter-finals. Leaving the tournament just before the semi-finals is a real blow.'- REUTERS
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
France's European run ended by familiar foe Germany
BASEL, Switzerland - Heartbroken France were left lamenting another European exit at the hands of Germany on Saturday in a stunning 6-5 penalty shootout loss in the Euro 2025 quarter-finals, leaving Les Bleues still searching for their first major tournament title. The loss came despite having a player advantage for most of the game, after Germany's Kathrin Hendrich was sent off for a tug on the hair of Griege Mbock Bathy in the box in the 13th minute. Grace Geyoro's ensuing penalty kick in the 13th minute was France's only goal in a bruising match that was tied 1-1 at the end of extra time. "It's very cruel, it's very difficult," Geyoro said. "We don't realize it yet, and there's a lot of disappointment and frustration at going out like that tonight. We're wondering when it's going to be smiling for us at last. It's difficult, frankly it's hard, that's football. I'm disappointed." The loss conjured memories of Euro 2022 when Germany dispatched France 2-1 in the semifinals before losing to England for the title. Despite the man advantage, France seemed to wither as the minutes wore on against the eight-times European champions. "We're sorry because when you're eleven against ten, you know that your set-pieces, numerical superiority do not exist anymore, so we had to avoid giving them those situations," coach Laurent Bonadei said. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Tampines regional centre set to get more homes, offices and public amenities Multimedia How to make the most out of small homes in Singapore Life US tech CEO Andy Byron resigns after viral Coldplay 'kiss cam' video Asia From toy to threat: 'Killer kites' bring chaos to Indonesian airspace Opinion I thought I was a 'chill' parent. Then came P1 registration Singapore 'God and government are the only things beyond our control,' says Group CEO Business Me and My Money: He overcomes a $100k setback to build a thriving online tuition business Asia At least 34 killed as tourist boat capsizes in Vietnam's Halong Bay "We didn't manage to find the back of the net except for two goals that were flagged offside. It's a shame, we didn't need much. Especially after what we'd done in the group phase, I thought we were getting stronger." France indeed had their chances, with goals by Delphine Cascarino and Geyoro chalked off for offside in each half. Melvine Malard clanged a rocket off the crossbar in the dying seconds of extra time. "I'm obviously disappointed," France goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin said. "They were down to ten against 11, so even more disappointed. Finishing on penalties and going out like that is always the worst way to go. "It was a complicated game, they were behind for almost 90 minutes and they were sending warheads up front. "We're a bit down, we've just taken a blow to the back of the head." France's Amel Majri and Alice Sombath had their penalties saved in the shootout, with Sombath's spelling the end of France's tournament, as the heartbroken players collapsed on the pitch. "There's obviously a lot of disappointment," Geyoro said. "We really wanted to go all the way, but unfortunately we stop at the quarter-finals. Leaving the tournament just before the semi-finals is a real blow." REUTERS
Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Mbock a doubt for France ahead of England Women's Euro clash
BERN, Switzerland - France captain Griedge Mbock is facing a race against time to be fit for her side's Women's Euro Group D game against England on Saturday after recently picking up a calf injury that she is struggling to recover from. Midfielder Grace Geyoro told a press conference that the 30-year-old defender was a doubt for their clash with the Lionesses, who are reigning European champions. "It's true that Griedge has been training separately, there's no doubt that she's still doubtful - now it's going to depend on the coach, and the doctor too," Geyoro said. "We know that she's with us in any case, that she's behind us and that she'll continue to be with the group, to support us and encourage us ... and then, of course, the young players who are here. If they're here, it's because they're ready to take over if Griedge isn't here, that's for sure." France lost to Germany in the semi-finals at the last Euros in 2022 and Geyoro said that she and her teammates, who will also face Netherlands and Wales in Group D, have learned some valuable lessons since then about seizing the moment. "Of course, our aim is to do better. Three years ago, we weren't the same players. We've gained in experience and maturity too. We're obviously approaching the competition differently ... the lessons we can learn are that we know that every match is important, and that the competition is quite short. It goes by really quickly," she explained. "We've got a group that's going to be very competitive, which is a bit different from our previous group in England. But no, in any case, we're trying to prepare well for this competition. And we're a bit more experienced now, so we're helping this young generation to feel good and to form a close-knit group." REUTERS
The Guardian
25-06-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
France's Grace Geyoro: ‘We must look England straight in the eyes'
Grace Geyoro has suddenly become one of the most experienced players in France's squad for the Euros. Last month the head coach, Laurent Bonadei, made the controversial decision to drop the captain Wendie Renard, the vice-captain Eugénie Le Sommer, who also happens to be the most capped female player in France of all time, as well as Kenza Dali. Geyoro was left standing and the Paris St-Germain midfielder is going into her sixth major tournament with the national team and has a clear objective: 'To win.' As we sit down for an exclusive interview in Nancy as the Euro preparations get underway she says she is optimistic about France's chances in Switzerland. 'We have a great team, we have young players, we have more experienced players,' says the 27-year-old, who has 98 caps and 19 goals for her country. 'We score goals, we win important matches. We have players who have won titles this season, in England for example.' Geyoro describes the France team as very technical, very powerful and very fast, saying: 'There are a lot of strikers who are able to play. Our weak points are that we may have less experience because we have not won any titles [at international level]. In difficult times we have to be able to be better because we have had disappointments.' Disappointment is an understatement. France go into most Euros and World Cups among the favourites, but have never reached a final, even falling short at last year's home Olympics. At the last Euros, in England, they lost 2-1 to Germany in the semi-finals. 'Since we prepare competitions one year, two years in advance, when you arrive in the competition and you get eliminated quickly, it has an impact on the mind,' she says. 'It can be exhausting at some point, especially when you see the team you have.' Bonadei prefers to see France as outsiders, reminding his players that they will face the past two winners, England and the Netherlands, in the group stage, along with Wales. 'I know that he believes in us more than anyone else,' Geyoro says. 'He pushes us and knows we are capable of going over mountains. I would say we remain part of the favourites. I know the talents we have, I train with these girls. Honestly, we have nothing to envy in other nations.' But Geyoro must be fearful of facing England, the holders? 'No, no, no,' she says. 'At PSG, Mary Earps told us about the talents the English team has. And we see their championship [the Women's Super League], they [Arsenal] won the Champions League … we know it is a very great nation and we are prepared for that. But we must look them straight in the eyes so that we do not lower our heads. 'I might prefer to play badly and win than to play very well and lose at the last-eight stage,' Geyoro goes on to say and she believes the squad shares the same mantra. We used to count on individual talent, to count on the difference-making of just one player. Today, we rely on the collective side. We need a whole group and those who come in, those who do not start the competition, maybe they will be the ones who will finish it.' Asked about Bonadei's decision to exclude Renard, Le Sommer and Dali, she says: 'When you know they've been in the French team for so many years, it can be a bit surprising. He [Bonadei] gave us explanations and justified his choice. We are players and the coach makes his own choices.' Many thought Geyoro would replace Renard as captain, but that responsibility has been given to Griedge Mbock, also of PSG, with Geyoro named one of the vice-captains, along with Sandie Toletti and Sakina Karchaoui. 'An armband is what's on the arm,' Geyoro says. 'The most important thing is to have this leader on the field and to push the team in and outside the locker room.' Geyoro became captain at PSG at 24. 'I also had it when I was young. They didn't ask me if I was ready or not. It's you and that's it. That helped me become more confident in myself. I told myself that to be given the armband is no small thing.' Confidence was something she needed as a young girl who started playing football surrounded by boys, back in Orléans, a city 100km south of Paris. 'It was not easy,' she says. 'You have to show strength of character. When I was a little girl there were not all of the things you have now for the development of women's football. I was just passionate. I played without thinking about what I could have tomorrow. I just believed I could succeed by being a girl who wanted to play football.' Sign up to Moving the Goalposts No topic is too small or too big for us to cover as we deliver a twice-weekly roundup of the wonderful world of women's football after newsletter promotion Geyoro is releasing a comic book for children that portrays the obstacles and challenges she navigated. 'I thought I would have liked to have this kind of advice at that age. When you're in moments of doubt to read [about someone] who succeeded after going through [difficult] moments. Growing up, I didn't have such a reference. I missed a female role model. 'Unfortunately, that was normal back then. To find a female football match at the time was difficult and I'm not even that old. Today, it's easier, little girls arrive at PSG in incredible conditions.' Geyoro was born in Kolwezi, in the southern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and moved to France with her family at the age of two. 'I was a child who was very protected by her parents, overprotected, even,' she says. 'And when you have to go to boarding school [Clairefontaine, France's national centre of football] at 13 years old, it's complicated. 'You arrive with girls you don't know and you have to adapt quickly to the schedule: in the morning you go to school, in the afternoon you train. You're also responsible for all your stuff. It makes you grow up so fast. You have no choice.' Geyoro's route to the top has shaped the person she is now and that is why she wants to be a role model for the next generation, or a pioneer as she puts it. 'My dream would be to win a competition with the national team, no matter which one, and to be remembered for what I represented. To be part of the legends you can easily cite when talking about women's football. 'We know that our careers are going to stop so it's all about what you're going to leave as a legacy, what you're going to leave as a footprint. For people to say: 'Wow, she marked the history of French women's football.''
