Jess Fishlock Wales Euro 2025
France romped to a 4-1 victory over Wales on Wednesday, overcoming a scare to exercise their dominance and leave the Euros newbies facing elimination.
Grace Geyoro Melvine Malard France Women 2025
TELL ME MORE
France started brightly, taking the lead through Clara Mateo eight minutes in before surprisingly being pegged back shortly afterwards when Wales icon Jess Fishlock scored her country's first-ever goal at a major tournament. The underdogs had some strong first-half moments but after Kadidiatou Diani converted a French penalty on the brink of half-time, Laurent Bonadei's side relaxed and started spraying the ball around with confidence, cutting through the Welsh backline regularly and showing their clinical side in front of goal, with Amel Majri and Grace Geyoro both getting on the scoresheet in the second half to wrap up a comfortable victory.
DID YOU KNOW?
Fishlock's early equaliser made international football history, with the Wales forward becoming the oldest goal-scorer in the history of the Women's Euros. The 38-year-old will bow out having made a huge impact on the trajectory of women's football in Wales.
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THE MVP
Lyon star Diani consistently looked like the biggest threat on the pitch. Even during the first half, when Wales were relatively comfortable, her explosions of pace and clever footwork opened up opportunities for the French to advance forwards. Her penalty was fairly weak, but it still ended up in the back of the net and sparked France's march to the three points.
THE BIG LOSER
It seems harsh given her limited international experience and strong first-half performance, but Wales goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel's mistake leading to France's third goal was a major turning point in this game. After dallying in possession in her own penalty area, she lost the ball and it was squared to the clinical Majri, who dispatched the chance with ease.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
The result doesn't quite confirm Wales' exit from their first-ever Euros, but they will need to win big against holders and neighbours England to secure passage to the next round, which is unlikely. Regardless, there are certainly things to be proud of for Rhian Wilkinson's side, not least their first Euros goal (scored in the 'group of death', no less). Meanwhile, France are effectively guaranteed a place in the knockouts after securing a maximum six points from their opening two group games ahead of taking on the Netherlands, who were thrashed by the Lionesses earlier on Wednesday.
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MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐
[(Valencia CF) Strength]: 1. Valencia CF haven't grabbed their first league win in the new season so far. The team are eager to secure a victory as soon as possible to boost morale and demonstrate strong determination.2. Valencia CF grabbed 5 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss in the last 9 home games, with an unbeaten rate up to 88.89%, showing good form at home.3. Valencia CF kept unbeaten in the last 3 e...
[(Hertha BSC Berlin) Strength]: 1. Hertha BSC Berlin are undoubtedly motivated to secure their first win of the season in this home game.2. Hertha BSC Berlin boast outstanding home strength, as their last home loss was in early March.[(Hertha BSC Berlin) Weakness]: 1. Hertha BSC Berlin drew 0-0 with SV Darmstadt 98 in the last away game. They failed to win in the last 4 competitive games in regula...
[(PAOK FC) Strength]: 1. PAOK FC lost in the first leg and failed to gain the upper hand in advancing. They will surely go all out in this game and strive to turn the situation around.2. PAOK FC recently won 1-0 at home against AEL Larisa in the Greece Super League 1, securing their first league victory.3. PAOK FC lost 0-1 away to NK Rijeka in the first leg. The team have a ball possession of 48% ...
[(KuPS) Strength]: 1. KuPS suffered a defeat in the first leg of the tie and missed the opportunity to gain an early advantage in the qualification race. They are certain to give their all in this game as they strive to secure progression to the next round.2. KuPS defeated Jaro 3-1 on away field in the last Veikkausliiga game. They won 6 of the last 7 games among all events with good performances....
[(Elche CF) Strength]: 1. Elche CF signed striker Rafael Mir on loan from Sevilla FC in the middle of the month. In his debut in the last game, he helped the team score a goal and his performance was commendable.2. Elche CF drew 1-1 with strong Atletico Madrid in their last away game. The first two matches of the new season both ended in draws, but considering that the opponents were all strong, s...
[(RC Lens) Strength]: 1. RC Lens have recorded 1 win and 1 loss in the current league season, scoring 2 goals and conceding 2 across two games, placing them 10th in the league table. The team will play at home in this fixture with strong determination.2. RC Lens' veteran center-back Jonathan Gradit has delivered a solid performance in the opening league games, anchoring the defense with crucial in...
[(Union de Santa Fe) Strength]: 1. In this match, both teams will strive for victory to advance to the quarter-final of the tournament. There is no doubt about their fighting spirit.2. In the most recent domestic league match, Estigarribia performed outstandingly, scoring the equalizing goal and helping his team draw with CA Huracan.3. Union de Santa Fe drew 1-1 with Atletico Rafaela in their last...
[(FC Groningen) Strength]: 1. Brynjolfur Willumsson scored 3 goals for FC Groningen in the new Eredivisie season. He is currently the top scorer in the team.2. Stije Resink provided 2 assists for FC Groningen in the new Eredivisie season, making him the team's top assist provider so far.3. FC Groningen kept unbeaten in the last two Eredivisie encounters with 1 win and 1 draw, being at a mental adv...
[(FC Oss) Strength]: 1. Mart Remans scored a goal in the last game, and his performance is still worthy of praise.2. FC Oss have performed well at home recently, winning 4-0. The team's recent home performance is still acceptable.[(FC Oss) Weakness]: 1. FC Oss lost 2-5 to FC Den Bosch in the last game and suffered two consecutive defeats, with poor form.2. FC Oss have performed poorly in defense, ...
Go to the Live Scores page.[(Hamburger) Strength]: 1. After returning to the Bundesliga following a seven-year absence, Hamburger secured their first point back with a 0-0 away draw against Borussia Monchengladbach in the opening round of the new season. Now, as they return to their home ground to face local rivals St. Pauli, the team are highly motivated and aim to secure their first victory of t...
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