France triumphs over Belgium in Euro 2025 preliminaries
Let's Talk Football, French Style! France decimated Belgium (5-0) on June 20th, in Valenciennes—a warm-up for Euro 2025 (2nd to 27th July). Melvine Malard bagged a hat-trick (42', 79', 85'), Kelly Gago scored (17'), and Sakina Karchaoui added another (59'), securing Laurent Bonadei's team's seventh consecutive win. This victory, without the starters, leaves them well-prepped for the defending champs, England, in less than two weeks.
France's imposing victory—with the Red Flames faltering in comparison—is the penultimate friendly before Euro. On the 27th, they face Brazil, who booted them out in the quarter-finals of the Olympics last year. For Bonadei's players, momentum is climbing high. The real challenge begins at the Euro, first up against England (July 5th), followed by the 2017 Euro winners, the Netherlands (July 13th).
"We're the ones they're scared of at Euro!" Despite fatigue from constant sessions, the French team demonstrated control, quickly pressing the Red Flames. Kelly Gago, elated after the game, stated, "We were disciplined and made the most of the ball, especially in transition." Sure enough, the underdogs have been deemed Euro favorites, and expectations are high for this mighty squad with clean sheets and victory under their belts.
Melvine Malard, the goal scoring sensation, echoed the sentiment: "It's been ages since I scored, I was desperate for a goal, and tonight it paid off." Her last goal dated back to September 2022 against Greece.
Chat with Gabriel Joly: Real Talk, Post-Game
France's arrogant, confident swagger stems from new coach Laurent Bonadei, who took charge in 2024. Bonadei has described the team as "generous, committed, with a good mindset" and focused on team cohesion and mindset. The squad, filled with talent and determination, will be a force to reckon with at Euro 2025, hosted by Switzerland from July 2-27, 2025.
Bonus Fact: France qualified directly by finishing among the top eight teams in League A of the qualifiers, eliminating the need for playoffs.
"The French team, having secured a dominating win against Belgium and with their sights set on the European Championships, will bring their football prowess to various European-leagues. In the premier-league, they'll be facing England on July 5th, a match that is generating high anticipation given their recent victory and current form."
"Given France's impressive hat-trick of wins against top-tier opponents, including their triumph over Belgium, and their designation as Euro favorites, it's no surprise that other teams, like Brazil whom they'll face on July 27th, appear to be looking at them with trepidation ahead of the European Championships."
