France concluded their World Cup group stage with a commanding 5-0 win over Mexico to secure top spot in Group E, as Mexico crashed out the tournament.
The Blues required just 35 seconds to break the deadlock. Marie Laure Delie slotting home after Elodie Thomis’ delivery took a wicked deflection off Mexico’s Alina Garciamendez, to record the second fastest World Cup goal ever scored.
Wendie Renard soon added a second after Camille Abily’s corner went straight through a crowd of players before bouncing off the French captain’s thigh. Although replay’s show the last touch actually came off the back of Jennifer Ruiz’s leg and a own goal was awarded.
In an impressive opening 13 minutes for the European’s Eugiene Le Sommer added to her tournament tally following some great build-up play involving most of the France team. A cross from the right sat up perfectly for the French number 9 who volleyed the ball home to all but confirm the victory for her side.
Le Sommer’s next effort found the net with a little less class – a scrappy finish finding the goal with the help of another deflection, after Mexico goalkeeper Cecilia Santiago failed to hold Delie’s shot.
After four goals in the opening half, Mexican captain Nayeli Rangel was forced to rally her troops at half time, who came out fighting after the break, conceding just the single 80th minute effort from Amadine Henry.
Veronica Perez appeared to be the danger figure who could spark a comeback for the North American’s, but Henry made her claim for goal of the tournament with a captivating strike from 25 yards out to complete the rout for France and see them comfortably through as group winners on goal difference.
French coach Philippe Bergeroo was understandably delighted with the performance, saying: “When you win 5-0, a coach is always going to be happy. The team made this an easy match, we made a decision going into it and worked tactically to attain a high form.
“We are going to try to relax and analyse what happened in the game, but we know we played very well. We can’t win every game, and not every match will be easy, but we always have to maintain confidence in our squad and protect the group.
“We knew right at the draw that this would be a difficult group not to be taken lightly, and we put ourselves in trouble against Colombia. Our first objective was to progress from the group, and it’s done now, so we can breathe a little and take the rest of the tournament match-by-match.”
France will now face South Korea in the round of 16 on Saturday 21 June.
