France's U17 women's national team delivered a commanding performance to finish their group stage with a perfect record, defeating Finland 4-1 at Coleraine. The victory ensured top spot in Group B and secured qualification for the 2026 U17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, while also setting up a semifinal clash with Norway in Belfast on Thursday.
Les Bleuettes have been dominant throughout the tournament, following up a 5-0 win over Poland and a 1-0 victory against Spain with another convincing display against Finland. The team's tactical discipline and attacking fluidity have been hallmarks of their campaign, with the defense conceding just one goal across three matches.
The match against Finland was controlled from the opening whistle. Margot Collin capitalized on a series of Finnish defensive errors to open the scoring in the 21st minute, providing an early breakthrough. Just nine minutes later, Dienebou Niakaté intercepted the ball at the edge of the penalty area and calmly finished to double the lead, scoring her first goal of the competition.
France continued to press and were rewarded just before halftime when Élise Dhalluin won a penalty, which Rachael Adedini converted with precision to make it 3-0 at the break. The young French side showed maturity in managing the game, but Finland pulled one back in the 66th minute through a long-range free kick that resulted in a handling error by goalkeeper Clélia Ducreux.
Any hopes of a Finnish comeback were short-lived. Adedini restored the three-goal cushion in the 81st minute, completing her brace and sealing the 4-1 win. The goal highlighted France's ability to respond under pressure, a quality that will be crucial in the knockout stages.
With three wins out of three, France have sent a strong message to their rivals. The team's attacking threat has been spread across multiple players, with Collin, Niakaté, and Adedini all finding the net. Defensively, the unit has been resilient, with only one goal conceded despite rotating personnel.
The semifinal against Norway promises to be a stern test. Norway advanced from Group A as runners-up and are known for their physical style and organized defense. However, France's momentum and confidence are high, and their blend of technical ability and tactical flexibility could prove decisive.
Securing a place in the 2026 U17 Women's World Cup is a significant milestone for this generation of French talent. The tournament, set to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026, will be a platform for these players to develop and gain invaluable experience. For many, it could be a stepping stone to senior national team duty.
France's coach will be pleased with the team's progress. The squad has shown depth, with substitutes making an impact and starting players maintaining high levels of performance. The perfect group stage record is a testament to the preparation and mindset of the players.
As the semifinal approaches, France will aim to carry their dominant form into the knockout rounds. With a World Cup berth already secured, the team can play with freedom and ambition. The match against Norway will be a barometer of their championship credentials.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
