France closes in on Euro 2025 quarterfinals with a 4-1 win over Wales

Clara Mateo was involved in three goals as France closed in on the Women’s European Championship quarterfinal places with a 4-1 win over Wales on Wednesday.

The Paris FC forward opened the scoring, was fouled for the penalty that Kadidiatou Diani converted, and then set up Amel Majri for the third goal. France captain Grace Geyoro sealed the result in the 63rd.

It was France’s 10th consecutive win this year.

France tops Group D with six points, three more than England and the Netherlands, while Wales remained bottom with zero points after two games on its tournament debut.

England revived its title defense following its opening loss to France by beating the Netherlands 4-0 earlier Wednesday. England plays Wales in their final group match on Sunday.

France will win the group if it avoids defeat against the Dutch at the same time.

"Nothing is set. We know when we have a game, we play it to win,"said Majri, the player of the match after her first European Championship appearance. The Lyon great missed Euro 2017 through injury and the last edition in 2022 after the birth of her daughter.

"I’ve always looked forward to playing at a Women’s Euro, so I’m really happy," Majri said. "It was a great performance as well from Clara Mateo."

France coach Laurent Bonadei made a host of changes to his lineup with only four players including the goalkeeper starting again from the 2-1 win over England.

Alice Sombath and newcomer Thiniba Samoura, both 21, formed France women’s youngest ever central-defensive partnership at a major tournament.

Mateo, another change, fired the favorites into an early lead with a fine finish after a corner, but Jess Fishlock equalized in the 14th when she prodded the ball inside the right post. It was Wales’