France defeated Wales 4-1 on matchday two of EURO 2025 to land on the cusp of quarter-final qualification.
Clara Mateo, Kadidiatou Diani, Grace Geyoro, and Amel Majri got on the scoresheet for Laurent Bonadei’s side, while Jess Fishlock put away Wales’ first goal at a major tournament.
It was a convincing triumph for France in the end, but there’s no denying they had to work for it.
The Lineups
FRA: Peyraud-Magnin; Ndongala, Samoura, Sombath, Bacha; Majri, Toletti, Geyoro; Malard, Mateo, Diani
WAL: Patel; Morgan, Green, Evans, Woodham; Barton, James, Rowe; Holland, Fishlock, Morgan
The Action
The first goal of the night came for France from a corner in the eighth minute. Angharad James looked to clear the set piece, but only got it as far as Mateo. Mateo chested it before before volleying beyond Safia Middleton-Patel.
Out of nowhere, Wales managed to gain possession and Fishlock found a way to get on the scoresheet. Despite initially being called offside, the debutants’ first goal of the tournament stood, and they went level with Les Bleues.
After struggling to regain momentum, France had the opportunity to restore their lead through a penalty when Ceri Holland brought down Mateo inside the box. Diani stepped up to the spot, and despite a lacklustrue strike, the ball crossed the line to make it 2-1 before the break.
With 53 minutes on the clock, France had their third. The young Welsh goalkeeper got herself in a muddle trying to clear a ball, and it was snatched off of her by Mateo. Mateo then found Majri, who wasted no time in in finding the far corner. It was a brutal moment for Cymru and for Middleton-Patel, who had otherwise been superb for the underdogs.
Holland had a shot deflected across the face of goal as Wales looked to mount some pressure, but it was to no avail. Before long, it was four. Diani’s great cross was tapped in by captain Grace Geyoro, as Rhian Wilkinson’s side struggled to grapple with the French frontline.
Wales came close to grabbing a goal back when a corner was fumbled by Pauline Peyraud-Magnin. Hannah Cain and Josie Green both had their subsequent efforts agonisingly blocked and their handball shouts were waved off.
The final whistle rang out, France fans jubilant and Wales supporters beaming with pride in a nation fighting against the odds.
France have found their rhythm
France delivered a dominant and clinical performance to take the top spot in Group D for now. Despite a lull after Wales’ hard-fought equaliser, Kes Bleues capped off a performance full of composure and control.
They looked sharp in possession and relentless in their attacking intent, with their fluid movement and pressing game too much for Cymru to contain. With two wins from two, France look every bit like a team with serious knockout-stage ambitions.
Still unbeaten in 2025 and with a tenth successive win, could France be on their way to a first major tournament victory?
Welsh football will never forget this night
Despite the scoreline, there were positives to take from a landmark night for Wilkinson’s Wales. Jess Fishlock’s equaliser not only made history as Wales’ first goal at a major tournament, but also showed the belief within this group. This Welsh side displayed resilience throughout, staying organised and battling hard against a highly ranked French team. Sophie Ingle’s first appearance after recovering from an ACL injury is another win the debutants can hold dear to them in Switzerland.
Their defensive structure was tested, particularly in the second half, but the Welsh players continued to fight for every ball. No matter what happens on Sunday at the conclusion of the group stage, the spirit and determination of this squad remain undimmed, and they’ve shown everyone they belong on this stage.
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