After the Eugénie Le Sommer’s sublime strike against England, France looked comfortable and in control in their 1-0 victory. However, the attention now turns to a South American side, as France prepare to storm Group F and qualify for the latter stages of the competition. The question is: Can France beat Colombia?
France are the favourites to win on paper as they are ranked third best in the world according to FIFA, whereas Colombia pale in comparison at 28th, not to mention the fact that France have arguably some of the best female football players in the world.
In defence, Wendie Renard forms a world class centre back pairing with Laura Georges with a combined 227 caps between them for France. This experience is invaluable. It should help to thwart the Colombian threat of Catalina Usme, who has scored 19 goals in 41 caps from midfield, as well as Ingrid Vidal who has grabbed 11 goals in 51 caps up front. Not to mention the threat of Daniela Montoya repeating her outrageous equalising goal against Mexico. Georges and Renard dominated against England and ensured that goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi only tested once during the full 90 minutes. They are unlikely to be tested any more than they have been, as Colombia will play a similar frustrating and defensive style as to England.
The midfield consists of most importantly, Louisa Necib. The 28-year-old playmaker has been compared to Zinedine Zidane and has often been quoted as one of the best players in the female footballing world. She was perhaps a little isolated in her left wing role against England, and would benefit from playing more centrally against Colombia to fully utilise her ability. None the less, Necib is a force to be reckoned with. On the other wing is Elodie Thomis, a powerful forward capable of playing up front also. She too seemed to be out of focus during the game, England have to take credit for the persistent man-marking of these two international stars. France will need to use both wings effectively in order to bypass a physical Colombian back four including Natalia Gaitán and Nataly Arias, who are arguably no match technically in comparison to the likes of Necib and Thomis, but will battle physically throughout. Camille Abily and Amandine Henry are employed as the central midfielders, Abily the more advanced and experienced of the two, whilst Henry sits back and holds the line. This is truly a world class midfield that should dominate the Colombian counterparts, which should allow France to play some beautiful football and get some goals to accompany them. Ca c’est genial!
If there had to be a weak spot in this team, it definitely isn’t up front. France has the likes of Gaetane Thiney (123 caps, 55 goals) Le Sommer (106 caps, 45 goals) and finally Marie Laure Delie (86 caps, 58 goals) in their star studded roster. All three French strikers remain in the Top 10 French Women’s all time goalscorers list. Prolific is an understatement. Colombia should be buried with the sheer quality of France’s attacking players, that’s including Necib and Thomis who have scored over 30 goals each themselves.
Overall, it is clear to see that France have a far superior team to Colombia, on paper. There will be a gulf in class in technical ability, but Colombia will not be pushovers. Their physicality and unrelenting work rate will be just as much a test as the French skill and ability. It will be a very interesting watch on the 13th of June. Can France beat Colombia? Time will tell.
Main image:
