Flowing France too strong for Spain

Athletic challenge
Les Bleuettes were given plenty of encouragement by the vocal home fans, although their early enthusiasm was dampened by Spain's assured start. Cristina Martinez, starting on her own in attack, proved a handful for the French defenders and only an athletic challenge from Wendie Renard prevented her from surging clear on nine minutes. The Spain striker then slipped Silvia Meseguer through but she shot wide with just Karima Benameur to beat.

French reaction
The opportunity sparked a reaction from France and in particular Eugénie Le Sommer. In the 21st minute, the captain's testing cross evaded Rafols, and after Renard's initial effort had been blocked, the centre-back saw her low shot saved by the Spanish custodian. France began to get on top and Rafols was fortunate that Machart could not control her miscued goal kick moments later. Spain skipper Marta Torrejón had a header comfortably saved by Benameur on 40 minutes, yet that was a rare moment of danger for the hosts who passed the ball crisply and came close again on the stroke of half-time. A flowing move ended with Le Sommer chipping to Machart, unmarked inside the penalty area, but as she shaped to shoot Alexandra López stretched out a leg to block.

Delightful skill
France continued to press and after Gwenaëlle Butel's inswinging corner had struck the crossbar, they were eventually rewarded on 59 minutes. Machart showed delightful skill to scoop the ball over Melanie Serrano on the edge of the box then struck a superb shot over a stranded Rafols and high into the net. Buoyed by that majestic strike, France threatened to finish the game off but Charlotte Bilbault shot narrowly wide and Ludivin Bultel's rasping drive was saved as Spain gradually recovered their composure. Ignacio Quereda's team created one clear opportunity on 75 minutes but after latching on to Meseguer's pass, Martinez had a shot well saved by Benameur. That proved the last opportunity for Spain, who will look to bounce back against Norway on Thursday. France can take a large step towards the semi-finals with a victory over Italy.