France topped Group F in scintillating style, smashing Mexico 5-0, including a stunning goal from Amandine Henry which arguably is one of the best of the tournament. If France continue to dispatch teams in this way, they stand a good chance of progressing in the tournament. This leads to the question: What do France need to do to lift the trophy?
FIFA Women’s World Cup: What do France need to do to lift the trophy?
Firstly, France must be more clinical and decisive in the final third. Even in their thumping of Mexico, the shot accuracy was an abysmal 26%. Against Mexico, it perhaps didn’t matter, but with higher quality teams such as the USA, Germany and Japan, chances won’t be so free-flowing. Every shot counts. If France don’t take their chances, then they won’t be lifting that famous trophy. Some chances have been quashed by a succession of awful touches, an occurrence that has been ever-present throughout the tournament. At Euro 2012 (men’s), researchers found that taking one touch before shooting gave a 64% chance of scoring, compared to taking two or more touches which gave 16% chance of scoring. This absolutely highlights the staggering importance of having a good touch in the final third. Admittedly, the astroturf pitches have to take some blame for poor control, but nevertheless, France must take more care in that vital third.
Secondly, possession of the ball must be tighter and more efficient. France are the third best team in the world, yet they have lost the ball so easily to the likes of Mexico and Colombia. The players must not embroil themselves in a physical battle, instead they must let the ball do the work. There are so many technically gifted players within this squad that they should be able to keep the ball away from any opposition. Similarly, the talent that France has should be scaring teams. Possession is only good for scoring goals. If a team doesn’t capitalise on their possession, then it is a pointless act. This was portrayed in France’s 2-0 defeat to Colombia, with 61% possession yet so little shots on target. Therefore, not only must France keep the ball, but also be positive and expansive. By all means, pass it along the back to allow the forwards to recover, but do not let the other team rest for too long either.
Set pieces. A “free” kick is aptly named but rarely executed to perfection. France have the hulking figure of Wendie Renard whose 6 foot 1 inch frame intimidates and easily outcompetes any other player in the air. Yet, the quality of the free kick often means her clear advantage in the air is ruled out. Two set pieces did lead to goals against Mexico, which is promising and must be kept up, for these are golden chances for France to score. Set pieces can win games alone, which is why France must focus and ensure quality execution, in order to bolster their chances of winning the World Cup.
Finally, one thing that Philippe Bergeroo must take credit for is the manipulation and flexibility of his tactics and personnel. For example, Louisa Necib, one of the world’s greatest players, did not feature in France’s thumping of Mexico. This was after Necib underperformed in the first two matches, which gave another France player chance to shine. This and four other changes before the destruction of Mexico allowed the team to achieve that result. But, Necib’s quality will be very important in the stages to come. Bergeroo may need to employ Necib in a more central role to extend her effectiveness, rather than the wide role that has appeared to limit her influence on the game. If he remains to be just as adaptable, then he may well just lead France to glory.
