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Goalscorer Eve Perisset
Photo:
CARL RECINE / REUTERS
France is the name of the semi-final opponent of the German national soccer team at the European Championships in England.
In the quarter-finals, the French defeated the Dutch 1-0 (0-0, 0-0) despite numerous missed chances.
The only goal of the game came from a penalty kick in extra time.
The French have thus conquered their »quarter-final curse«: At the European Championships in 2009, 2013 and 2017 as well as the World Championships in 2015 and 2019 it was all over in the quarter-finals.
The Netherlands had been EURO titleholders after beating Denmark in the final in 2017.
In the first half, France was overwhelmingly superior.
Corinna Diacre's team had many chances.
One shot went against the post, but the two best thwarted by defender Stefanie van der Gragt, who cleared a shot on the line (37th minute) - and one a few meters in front of the goal (40th).
Van der Gragt even had a chance of his own in the second half, but her header didn't cause any problems for France keeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin (59').
She then found herself back in her defensive role as she headed out a Wendie Renard header (64').
Even if the superiority was no longer so great, France had more chances after the change of sides.
Grace Geyoro headed wide from close range just before the end of regulation time (87'), goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar saved against Renard (90'+3').
A standard situation then brought the decision: In the extra time, there was a penalty for France after the video evidence.
Dominique Janssen fouled French player Kadidiatou Diani.
Eve Perisset scored the only goal of the game (102').
The semi-final between Germany and France will take place next Wednesday (July 27, 9 p.m.).
England and Sweden will contest the second semi-final on Tuesday (also 9 p.m.).
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