The defeat against Australia in the last warm-up match is annoying, but it is Selma Bacha’s injury at the end of the match that is the most worrying news for Les Bleues. Friday July 14 in Melbourne, it was not the celebration of the French women’s team, beaten 1-0 on a goal from Mary Fowler (66th). Above all, the Habs may find themselves deprived for the World Cup (July 20 to August 20) of a new high-level player.

Four injured internationals are already missing from the list of French selected: Amandine Henry, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Griedge Mbock and Delphine Cascarino. The Lyon side, who played as a left winger against the Matildas, must undergo examinations to find out the seriousness of her ankle injury, which seemed to turn on a seemingly innocuous action, during stoppage time.

“I went to see her, we were all with her. His ankle has turned, we hope it won’t be too serious. This is the worst news of the evening, reacted Hervé Renard after the match. Let’s remain patient while waiting for the doctor’s verdict and further examinations. The doctor will do it as soon as possible. We are always worried, we must be measured, not rush into comments. »

little satisfaction

Hervé Renard’s fourth meeting as coach was complicated: a first defeat after three successive victories and a sluggish performance by his players in all areas of the game. Landed last Sunday in Australia, after a long trip, the Bleues n admittedly only had a few days to adjust to the Australian winter and jet lag (plus eight hours).

After a fairly balanced first half, where they got two big chances from Grace Geyoro and Kadidiatou Diani in front of the 50,629 spectators at Marvel Stadium – an Australian record for a women’s football game – the Tricolores experienced enormous difficulties in second period, jostled by well-legged Australians, with oiled collective play. Mary Fowler logically concluded a counter-attack led on the right side. The Manchester City player found herself alone at six yards, taking a center back from Hayley Raso.

Hervé Renard had little satisfaction, whether in defense or in the offensive animation of his team. Captain Wendie Renard’s teammates will need to find resources to show another face on July 23 in Sydney in their 2023 World Cup opener against Jamaica.