As the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifiers intensify, France delivered a resounding 4-1 victory over Wales, leaving Rhian Wilkinson’s team on the brink of elimination. Despite a spirited showing and a well-taken goal from veteran midfielder Jess Fishlock, the Welsh side found themselves overwhelmed by the skill, pace, and tactical superiority of a French team brimming with confidence and cohesion.
This result not only amplifies France’s credentials as serious contenders for the upcoming European Championship, but it also places Wales in a perilous position with just one game remaining in the qualifying round. The loss at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais felt like more than just a bad night — it was a sobering reflection of the gap that still exists between Europe’s elite and those battling to join them.
First-Half Masterclass from Les Bleues
The match began with France asserting control from the first whistle. Under the guidance of head coach Hervé Renard, the French women displayed fluid movement, crisp passing, and relentless pressing — hallmarks of a side that has grown in confidence since their strong World Cup performance in 2023.
It took just nine minutes for the breakthrough to come. Kadidiatou Diani, a constant menace down the right flank, burst past her marker and delivered a pinpoint cross to Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who made no mistake from close range. The goal was Katoto’s 25th in international football, and her celebration reflected a player who knows she’s back at her best after injury setbacks.
Wales, to their credit, attempted to respond quickly. Angharad James and Sophie Ingle worked tirelessly in midfield to disrupt French rhythm, but possession was hard to come by. The technical superiority of France was evident, with Grace Geyoro orchestrating attacks from deep and creating multiple overloads in wide areas.
France doubled their lead in the 26th minute. A clever short corner routine caught Wales napping, and the ball found its way to Selma Bacha at the edge of the box. The Lyon full-back unleashed a swerving left-footed strike that gave Welsh keeper Olivia Clark no chance. It was a moment of sheer brilliance — the kind that defines elite competition.
Wales Show Spirit Fishlock Delivers Lifeline
Trailing 2-0, Wales needed inspiration. It arrived, as so often, in the form of Jess Fishlock — the nation’s most capped player and one of its most decorated. In the 34th minute, she latched onto a through ball from Rachel Rowe, danced past two French defenders with a trademark feint, and coolly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.
The goal, her 40th for Wales, momentarily silenced the French crowd and offered Wilkinson’s side a glimmer of hope. For a brief spell, Wales looked energized. Their defensive line, marshaled by Gemma Evans and Hayley Ladd, held firm, and a few half-chances offered promise. France, perhaps sensing control slipping, raised their intensity once again.
French Flair Seals the Result
After the break, France wasted no time reasserting dominance. Geyoro and Sandie Toletti dictated play in the middle, and the introduction of Clara Matéo added fresh legs and creativity to the attack. Wales were forced deeper and deeper, relying on last-ditch defending to keep the scoreline respectable.
The third goal came in the 61st minute. Diani, again at the heart of the move, played a clever one-two with Matéo and delivered a cross that ricocheted off Evans and fell kindly for Katoto. The PSG striker made no mistake, hammering home her second of the night.
Wales looked deflated, and the sense of inevitability around the outcome grew. France added a fourth in the 78th minute through substitute Vicki Bècho, who curled a delightful effort from outside the box past the outstretched arms of Clark. The finish was exquisite — a cherry on top of a commanding display.
Wilkinson’s Reflections and What Comes Next
Rhian Wilkinson, visibly frustrated but composed in her post-match press conference, admitted her team had been outplayed by a world-class side.
“We knew France would be tough, and they showed why they’re among the favorites for Euro 2025. But I’m proud of the way the team kept fighting. Jess [Fishlock] was phenomenal, as always. We’ve got one game left, and we’ll give everything,” she said.
Wales currently sit third in their qualifying group, behind France and the Netherlands, with only the top two guaranteed automatic qualification. Their final match, against the Netherlands in Cardiff, now takes on monumental importance. Nothing short of a win will suffice — and even that may not be enough if other results go against them.
Wilkinson faces a challenging task: lifting a tired and demoralized squad for one final push. But if there is any silver lining, it’s the character shown in brief spells against France — particularly in the lead-up to Fishlock’s goal and a promising 15-minute window at the start of the second half.
France’s Rising Confidence and Tactical Maturity
For France, the result confirms a resurgence under Renard. After years of near misses and internal issues, this iteration of Les Bleues looks united, tactically astute, and blessed with a perfect blend of youth and experience. The defensive pairing of Wendie Renard and Elisa De Almeida looked impenetrable, while midfield fluidity allowed the forwards to flourish.
Renard was understandably delighted:
“This was a performance we can build on. We respected Wales, and that helped us stay sharp. It’s not just about scoring goals — it’s about controlling the game, and we did that,” the coach stated.
With qualification all but assured, France can now turn their attention to preparing for the tournament proper. The squad depth is impressive, and even without stars like Eugénie Le Sommer — rested for the match — they showed no drop in quality. The competition for places will be fierce, and that can only bode well for their Euro 2025 campaign.
Key Player Performances
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⭐ Jess Fishlock (Wales)
Despite the heavy defeat, Fishlock’s impact cannot be overstated. Her intelligence, timing, and leadership were on full display. She covered more ground than any other Welsh player and created Wales’ only goal out of sheer individual brilliance. At 38, she remains indispensable.
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⭐ Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France)
Back from injury and back in form. Her movement, finishing, and positioning were top-class. Katoto showed why she is one of the most feared strikers in women’s football with a brace that underlined her clinical edge.
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⭐ Selma Bacha (France)
The left-back’s goal was spectacular, but her all-round contribution stood out. She constantly bombed forward, tracked back with discipline, and provided width that stretched the Welsh defense.
Statistical Breakdown
- Possession: France 68% – 32% Wales
- Shots on Target: France 11 – 2 Wales
- Pass Accuracy: France 88% – 72% Wales
- Corners: France 8 – 1 Wales
- Tackles Won: France 15 – 12 Wales
The stats paint a clear picture of French dominance, particularly in midfield and attacking transitions.
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