Allez les Bleus! France got its 2015 World Cup off to a fine start with victory over its biggest competition in the group, England. Star striker Eugenie Le Sommer scored the lone goal to give Les Bleus all three points. The French can all but guarantee a spot in the knockout round with another win against Colombia, which began its tournament with a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Mexico.
Las Cafeteras, though, have quite a formidable defense, and will be out to frustrate a star-studded French frontline. Will they succeed? Find out below as we preview this Group F showdown.
Don’t forget to check out Saturday’s other marquee World Cup matchup with our preview of Brazil vs. Spain.
France finds itself at the top of Group F after a 1-0 win over England on Tuesday. Eugenie Le Sommer’s thunderous first half strike – her 44th career international goal – was enough for Les Bleus to grab the win, as they maintained their 41-year unbeaten run against the English.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]The French were the superior side through 90 minutes. They outshot England 16-3, and controlled 58 percent of possession. However, their performance was not entirely convincing, especially in front of goal. Only four of their 16 shots were on target, as they failed to capitalize on opportunities to put the game out of reach in the second half.
But the good news for the French is that they passed what will likely be their toughest test of the group without much trouble. Colombia has a formidable defense, but Le Bleus’ terrific attack of Le Sommer, Louisa Necib, Gaetene Thiney and co. should be in a much better groove with 90 minutes of World Cup football under their belt.
France also fought to a close 1-0 victory in their first match in the 2011 World Cup against Nigeria. They proceeded to turn on the style in their next game with a 4-0 thrashing of Canada.
Colombia clawed its way back from a one-goal deficit to earn a 1-1 draw against Mexico in its first group game. Daniela Montoya’s stunning strike from outside the penalty area in the 82nd minute helped Las Cafeteras grab a share of the spoils.
Colombia’s very gifted attacking midfielder Yoreli Rincon has begun the tournament very brightly, and came close to scoring herself against Mexico. She had a goal denied for offside, and came close with a free kick that was tipped over the post.
With Colombia likely to adopt a cautious approach against the lethal French attack, the onus will be on Rincon to pull the strings for Las Cafeteras and provide a touch of quality to their attacks, which could be few and far between.
Meanwhile, a resolute Colombian defense will at least make life difficult for the talented French forwards. Led by the youthful yet talented group of goalkeeper Sandra Sepulveda, defenders Nataly Arias and Natalia Gaitan and midfielder Diana Ospina, Las Cafeteras finished last year’s Copa America with just two goals conceded in seven games, the best defensive record in the tournament.
Colombia is still searching for its very first win at the World Cup. Las Cafeteras have two draws and two losses in four games overall.
Writer’s Prediction
France (-780) finds a way past Colombia’s defends as Les Bleus win 2-0.
