It’s now or never for Les Bleus to start playing up to their potential. The French have looked far from the contenders they were touted to be prior to the tournament, and are now in danger of failing to make it out of the group stage.
France faces a crucial final group game against Mexico, with the French needing a win to guarantee their place in the last 16. However, the plucky Mexicans have hopes of reaching the knockout round themselves, and will also be going all out for victory.
Get ready for the final round of matches in a very tight Group F. Read on below for our preview of France vs. Mexico, and click here for our preview of England vs. Colombia.
France was flat out stunned on Saturday with a shocking 2-0 loss to Colombia, one of the biggest upsets of the tournament to date. France is currently tied with England for second in Group F, but Les Bleus have a worse goal difference – the tiebreaker in the event of both countries finishing with the same number of points.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Despite controlling much of the action in the first half, the French failed to capitalize with any real goalscoring opportunities. France’s frontline, which had been hyped as one of the best in the world prior to the World Cup, has faltered through the first two games. Eugenie Le Sommer’s game-winning strike against England remains Le Bleus’ only goal in the tournament thus far.
France’s other stars – Louisa Necib, Gaetane Thiney, Camille Abily, et al – have failed make any sort of impact, but the threat of Les Bleus finally breaking out from their prolonged slump against Mexico still remains strong.
With the Mexicans also in desperate need of a win, they will look to commit more players forward in search of goals. That could leave enough gaps in their defense, which Necib and the French forwards can take advantage of.
Mexico has a lot to do in its last group game. El Tri fell 2-1 to England in their last match on Saturday, relegating them to last place in Group F with just one point in two games. Mexico now needs a win against France to stand any chance of qualifying for the next round.
Despite launching 20 shots, the Mexicans hardly threatened the English goal with clear-cut opportunities. But they did pull a goal back in injury time, as a saved Charlyn Corral shot was rebounded in by Fabiola Ibarra.
Corral was very active against England, and had a team-high seven shots. El Tri will need a special performance from the 23-year old Corral, who is by far the team’s biggest attacking threat. She has 18 goals in 32 career caps for Mexico.
Mexico will face an uphill battle against a highly-favored French team that is also in need of a result. Head coach Leo Cuellar admitted that his team “will have to have a perfect game” to upend the Europeans.
However, Mexico should be greatly encouraged by Colombia’s terrific 2-0 win over France, which has not played like a championship contender all tournament. Although El Tri can’t match the French in terms of talent and quality, the Mexicans aren’t lacking in hard work, determination and discipline. And as Colombia proved, those qualities can go a long way in stifling the French attack.
Mexico, though, is still winless in eight World Cup games all-time, with five losses and three draws.
Writer’s Prediction
France finally fires on all cylinders and wins 3-0 to finish Mexico’s tournament.
