TOPS
If the Blues have not found the fault, everything is obviously not to be thrown away. They were never put in difficulty by the limited but united Norwegians, and laid siege to the opposing goal: 22 shots to 5, 66% possession, 7 corners to 3, and above all 3 hit posts to 0. In short, the animation was generally satisfactory and the midfielder dictated his law throughout the game.
Well helped by the overall domination of her teammates, Constance Picaud did not have the opportunity to stand out and perhaps even found the time long in her penalty area. The only thrill was a rough exit and a fortunately unscrewed header from Maren Mjelde. The Mbock-Renard hinge was reassuring by leaving no space for Sophie Roman Haug, transparent.
Amandine Henry is 34 years old, but the midfielder still showed her class throughout the 90 minutes, well supported by Grace Geyoro and Sandie Toletti. Always as technically precise, the Angel City player could have given victory to her team with two powerful strikes, the first 25 meters from the goal captured in two stages by Mikalsen, the opposing goalkeeper, then finding the square (85th) . It’s hard not to think about his absence during the last World Cup due to injury…
FLOPS
The picture was perfect until then: after three victories in three matches in the Nations League, the Blues failed to win. Since their elimination in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, the course has been perfect: victories against Portugal (2-0), Austria (1-0) and Norway last week (2-1). Nothing prohibitive since they are still well placed (1st, 10 points) and a success against Austria on December 1 would guarantee them a place in the Final 4 (February 21 to 28, 2024).
Hervé Renard had hammered it home before the match: Les Bleues’ lack of success in front of goal had been a cause for concern since the start of the Nations League. Even in the absence of Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who resumed with PSG on September 17, the Blues attack should have shown more composure and success. Several times served in a good situation, Eugénie Le Sommer was unable to convert the good phases of her team by finding the crossbar (87th) at the end of the match.
Established following high-class performances with Paris FC, Julie Dufour, placed on the left wing, did not shine a few days after her good match in Oslo (Norway) on Friday during the first leg. The 22-year-old Northerner made several bad technical choices close to the surface. She was also too timid in the face of the goal. Entering her place, Kadidiatou Diani appeared more bloody with the ball during the half hour spent on the pitch.