World Cup 2019: France look like the tournament’s most must-see team

The 2019 Women’s World Cup’s opening match was as entertaining as expected, and France’s 4-0 victory showcased some of the best attacking football imaginable.

France came into their opening game against South Korea with the expectations of an entire nation as the host country, and their march towards a potential first World Cup title is off to a highly successful start.

From the first whistle to the 90th minute, France were in complete dominance. Constantly bombarding forward with their fullbacks and covering any weaknesses at the back with an enviable center back duo, France showed the world that they are more than up to the task. There is an immense amount of pressure for a host nation in the beginning of their first game, but with a ninth-minute goal from global star Eugenie Le Somme, The Blues quickly led.

It was almost academic from there for France, but they continued to dazzle, not settling for a one-goal lead. Though center back Griedge Mbock Bathy’s brilliant volleyed finish, which came moments after a jaw-dropping bicycle kick attempt, was harshly overturned by VAR, fellow center back Wendie Renard grabbed a brace from headed corners to give France a 3-0 lead at half-time. Amandine Henry’s inspiring finessed finish into the far right corner from outside the box in the 85th sealed the deal for France.

This was a dream start for both France’s national team and for the Women’s World Cup, because exciting attacking football like France’s can mean so much to a tournament. France’s victory was a statement of intent and firepower from a team as motivated as any to capture the trophy this summer.

Corinne Diacre’s squad never took their foot off the gas for a moment, and France’s wing play was particularly awe-inspiring. Just 22, Delphine Cascarino looks like a potential superstar in this year’s tournament, working tirelessly up-and-down the right flank to send in teasing balls to attackers of all kinds. Strikers and center backs flooded the penalty area to meet these dangerous balls, and Cascarino’s link-up play with the equally gifted Marion Torrent is almost telepathic.

France was equally devastating on the left side. Eugenie Le Sommer is well-regarded for her attacking prowess, but left back Amel Majri – a true midfielder – shined the brightest in this game. Her passes were killer, creating several big chances for France, and her crosses consistently caused trouble for South Korea.

While South Korea are a talented team capable of making it into the World Cup’s next round, they looked helpless defensively against France’s attack. That speaks volumes to how effective France were at throwing players at the opposition, attacking from all angles and calling on defenders to support the attack. Their strikers unselfishly worked to put others in position, though they still managed to show off their flair in spurts. (Kadidiatou Diani’s classy nutmeg was an underrated highlight of an opening contest filled with goals.)

Going forward, France’s attack-first mentality will be exploited by stronger attacking sides, as they were left vulnerable on the counter. South Korea couldn’t find the right passes to capitalize, but a different team could take advantage of France’s drive to score goals. Of course, France can adjust to this, and the neutral observer wouldn’t mind watching them get into a high-scoring, blow-for-blow battle with another elite team.

As impressive as France was on offense and as wonderful as their wing play was in this game, it is important not to sleep on how they played centrally. France’s players are well-coached and intelligent, as many of them play for the strongest clubs in the world. Their wingers and fullbacks were on the same wavelength, and center midfielders Henry (the captain) and Elise Bussaglia expertly kept shape and manipulated space. Henry and Bussaglia kept things ticking with their running and well-placed passes, and Henry ended up grabbing a delightful goal for her work.

Better yet, France’s center backs are on another level. Renard and Mbock Bathy both showed that they are capable of brilliance inside the penalty box, but that belies just how great they were defensively. They made critical tackles and interceptions to stifle counter-attacks before they developed, even though France’s high press and attacking mentality pulled them higher up the pitch. And because they are higher up the pitch on a team that likes to play out wide, they are asked to pass frequently. The perfect examples of the well-rounded, modern-day center backs, Mbock Bathy and Renard’s passes are crisp, intelligent, played into space, and occasionally game-breaking when played longer. They will be major X-Factors for France this summer, especially as the tournament proceeds.

France played an inspiring game on both ends of the pitch, but it is their attacking flair and hunger at this year’s World Cup that will win them supporters across the world.

It is difficult to think of a team more exciting to watch, given how prolific their attacking is and how well-balanced their squad is. They have experienced and intelligent players with immense individual quality, and legendary announcer Aly Wagner (among others) was right on the money with her raving of France’s brand of football prior to today’s impressive display. There will undoubtedly be more goals and more moments of quality to come for the tournament hosts, who are appointment television whenever they take the pitch.

And, hopefully, there will be several other nations ready to light up the pitch in similar fashion.