Corine Deacon still has work ahead of her. The French women's team won against Uruguay, Saturday, February 18 in Angers, its second match of the Tournoi de France - friendly competition which celebrates its third edition - but, for the tricolor coach, the site is still vast at the moment. the approach of the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand (from July 20 to August 20) for which the Blues have serious ambitions
Faced with Uruguayan opponents determined to fight on every ball, the French won easily 5-1, thanks to the first goals in the tricolor jersey of young promises Kessya Bussy (26th) and Naomie Feller (80th), but also to achievements of executives like Kenza Dali (34th), Wendie Renard (43rd), Sandie Toletti (71st). This nice mix between collective actions and individual exploits, however, hides a real lack of efficiency as the opportunities were numerous (28 shots, half of which were on target).
Corinne Deacon had promised a squad review and the coach did not do things by halves: no less than eight changes in the starting lineup compared to the one lined up on Wednesday against Denmark (1-0 victory), and Kadidiatou Diani resting in the stands. New faces have thus appeared such as goalkeeper Constance Picaud or defender Maëlle Lakrar, executives have returned such as Grace Geyoro and Sandie Toletti in the middle, and the central hinge has been built on the Renard-Cissoko duo, after two games. unconvincing in a three-way defence.
"We're here to work, to put things in place, sometimes also to get in trouble. If I want answers, I have to try things, ”explained Corinne Deacon after the meeting.
Return of a three-man defense
However, nothing is settled on the defense site for a team which overall had a lot of absentees (Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Griedge Mbock, Sakina Karchaoui, Selma Bacha). The evening indeed turned into a nightmare for defender Hawa Cissoko, who got into trouble from the 3rd minute of the match when Belen Aquino intercepted her poorly measured pass to appear alone against Constance Picaud, without success.
Half an hour later, still under pressure from Aquino, Cissoko attempted a risky throw-in which Luciana Gomez jumped on to present herself alone in front of Picaud, eliminate the goalkeeper and equalize at 1-1, after the French opener signed Kessya Bussy, a few minutes earlier.
But Corinne Deacon clearly did not like the performance: after the break, Cissoko came out, and the Bleues returned to a three-man defense. Invited by the coach to put "more accuracy and more speed" in the game, the Blues launched a siege in good standing from the cage of Sofia Olivera, very rarely letting the Uruguayans venture into their camp, and imposing themselves finally on a comfortable score which nevertheless leaves the technician unsatisfied.
Deacon Expects "Boldness"
"I expect animation, risk-taking, audacity," she explained at the end of the meeting. You have to raise your level of requirement, you have to raise your mental level, you have to raise your athletic level. »
Until then, France had always crushed Uruguay, 67th nation in the world: 6-0 in 2011 and 8-0 in 2019. With this new big victory, Renard and his teammates keep the lead of the Tournoi de France before receiving the Norway on Tuesday, still in Angers. But afterwards, Corinne Deacon will only have two friendlies left in April before announcing her list for the World Cup.
"Those who weren't used to playing had the pressure because it's a bit heads or tails. It's not easy, but in the World Cup, we will need players who are mentally ready to take this pressure, "warned the former international player.
