Corinne Diacre: France want to make history in first ever Euros semi-finals

Corinne Diacre said France were “here to build history” after they got past holders the Netherlands to reach the semi-finals of the Women’s Euros for the first time.

Les Bleues secured a 1-0 victory over the Dutch in Rotherham thanks to Eve Perisset’s penalty in the first half of extra time.

They advance to a meeting with eight-time winners Germany in Milton Keynes on Wednesday, a first appearance in the last four of the competition after making quarter-final exits at each of the last three editions.

Boss Diacre, who took charge shortly after Euro 2017, said when asked about the past record: “That’s not our history. We’re here to build history. The players here and the staff, we want to make history for ourselves, and there is still a bit of a way to go.”

We're here to build history. The players here and the staff, we want to make history for ourselves, and there is still a bit of a way to go- Corinne Diacre

She added: “We’ve reached a new level this evening, but that’s not the end for us. We really want to reach the final. When we set out our ambitions we were looking ahead to July 31.”

Defender Perisset, who last month joined Chelsea from Bordeaux, converted from the spot in the 102nd minute after Dominique Janssen’s challenge on Kadidiatou Diani went to a VAR review and Croatian referee Ivana Martincic watched the incident back on the pitchside monitor.

It saw Daphne van Domselaar finally beaten after France had created numerous chances during normal time but been left frustrated by some excellent saves by the young Dutch goalkeeper, plus two goal-line clearances by defender Stefanie van der Gragt and misses that included Delphine Cascarino hitting the post.

Diacre said: “I’m pleased, I’m very proud. I like the fact