Périsset holds nerve to sink Netherlands and put France into semi-finals

France reached the semi-finals of the European Championships with a narrow extra-time victory over the Netherlands. Eve Périsset’s penalty saw her side win 1-0, and they will face Germany on Wednesday.

Corinne Diacre was delighted as her French side progressed past the last eight for the first time. “This team gives absolutely everything,” she said. “They kept plugging away and they kept loyal to our game plan ... We’re here to build history. The players and the staff want to make history for ourselves.”

There was much anticipation ahead of this meeting with two of the game’s heavyweights coming head to head. France, ranked third in the world, had set this tournament alight in the group stage with their electrifying attack. Despite five changes, Melvine Malard retained her spot up front, having impressed in her side’s 1-1 draw with Iceland.

The Dutch had struggled defensively but, as title holders, possessed experience. They received a welcome boost with the return of their leading scorer, Vivianne Miedema, after Covid.

Despite Mark Parsons calling for his Dutch side to “turn that switch” early on, it was France who started the faster. If not for Daphne van Domselaar, so impressive in the Netherlands’ goal, and the body of Stefanie van der Gragt, they would certainly have been ahead at the break.

It was one-way traffic with the Netherlands facing constant waves of attack. Grace Geyoro tested Van Domselaar at the near post before Kadidiatou Diani was allowed to glide into the box only to see her effort stopped. A sliced clearance from Dominique Janssen required her keeper to be a full stretch before even the woodwork got involved, keeping out Delphine Cascarino’s effort.

Diani, with her exhilarating speed, was a constant