Tears rolled down Grace Geyoro’s cheeks as she struggled to find words just moments after France’s devastating loss to Australia in the quarterfinals of the Women’s World Cup. Emotions ran high as the 26-year-old consoled her teammates on the pitch, but now it was her turn to let go. With a deep breath, she reflected on the rollercoaster of emotions she experienced over the past 150 minutes.
“It hurts a lot,” Geyoro shared with ESPN. “That’s football for you. We gave everything we had. I’m incredibly proud of the girls and the staff. There’s nothing more I could’ve asked of them. We fought hard, but we lacked efficiency in front of the goal.”
Amidst the pain, Geyoro made sure to recognize the team’s effort and their regret that despite giving their all, victory slipped through their fingers.
Though France’s dreams were shattered, they have every reason to hold their heads high. Despite moments of lost rhythm and momentum under Australia’s relentless pressure, Les Bleues fought valiantly and could have won the match before it went to penalties. Eugénie Le Sommer put it best when she confessed, “I have never lost a game I thought I was going to win for so long.”
In the locker room, as ESPN sources revealed, France coach Herve Renard offered words of solace and pride. “You had an exceptional game. I am proud of you, and you should be proud of yourselves. What we have achieved here is great, and we will build on it for the future,” he addressed his squad.
Captain Wendie Renard echoed her coach’s sentiment by expressing her pride in the entire team, including the staff and all the players. Despite the loss, the team remained resilient and fought against a formidable Australian side in the face of staunch opposition from 50,000 passionate fans.
While the performance was commendable, there is no denying that improvements are needed. One area of concern is the depth of the squad. During the match, Renard found himself lacking options on the bench to influence the outcome, resulting in a goalless draw after 120 minutes of play. However, with key players like Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Delphine Cascarino, and Amandine Henry returning from injury, the team’s options will expand.
The younger players, such as Selma Bacha and Vicki Bècho, will undoubtedly grow from the experience, gaining invaluable maturity that will serve them well in future high-pressure situations.
Renard also acknowledged the mental aspect of the game. The pressure of playing against a passionate home crowd seemed to inhibit some of his players’ performances. “Obviously, emotionally it is not easy to deal with having 50,000 people against you like that,” noted Élisa De Almeida, defender and goal-line hero.
Despite these challenges, De Almeida believes that the World Cup journey has yielded more positives than negatives for France. The camaraderie and team spirit they developed throughout the tournament have been remarkable. “We created an incredible squad together,” she said. “In terms of solidarity and team spirit, we could not do better. We are proud of what we achieved together. The experience has been amazing and will only serve us in the future.”
A Glimpse into the Future
With the Olympic Games in Paris less than a year away, there is much to anticipate for coach Renard and his team. Despite taking charge only in March of this year, Renard has steered France through a tumultuous period—overshadowed by a disagreement with former head coach Corinne Diacre—and brought them to newfound heights.
Reflecting on the team’s growth, Renard proclaimed, “We have built something special. We showed it tonight, and we will keep building on it. The story ends here, but there is more to come. We will come back stronger.”
France’s journey may have been bittersweet, but it served as a testament to their resilience, camaraderie, and determination. Despite the heartbreak, they have laid the foundation for future success. With renewed spirit, Les Bleues will undoubtedly rise again, inspiring fans and leaving an indelible mark on the world of women’s football.
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