France starts their FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 campaign against Jamaica on Sunday in Sydney.
FRA-W vs JMC-W Match Details
Date: Sunday, 23 July 2023
Time: 15:30 (IST) / 17:00 (ACT)
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
FRA-W vs JMC-W Match Preview
In the last few years, France have always entered a major competition with chaos and controversy on their back including the previous Women’s World Cup when they were the hosts. However, in 2023 they will have something refreshing to think about with the toxic era under Corinne Diacre now ended and also a clear-up on the federation level done. Having overseen the heroics of Saudi Arabia in the men’s World Cup last year, Harve Renard is tasked to bring the same magic at the helm of the French women’s national team now. France are appearing in their fifth finals in their history and has finished at the quarterfinal stage in the last two editions. Renard will wish to guide the team beyond that to reach the semifinals and match their feat of 2011, their highest-ever finish in the tournament. Getting into the final or even lifting the trophy will be nothing short of a remarkable tale. With team captain Wendie Renard and top-scorer Eugenie Le Sommer to put tournament experience in the squad, France will be strong while another returning star Amandine Henry picked up a calf injury that ruled her out of the tournament. Paired with Jamaica, Brazil and Panama, France have a big chance to move into the knockout. They will face intense competition with Brazil though to win the group. Les Bleues face Jamaica in the first game of the tournament and considering they have won their last three Women’s World Cup opener, there is little reason to cut short the run now.
Facing France right away will be a massive test for Jamaica who were hoping for some momentum having just won twice in eight games this year with the other being a match against Sheffield United Women’s team back in April. Keeping that aside, the Reggae Girlz have only found success against Morocco in the last group match which they hope will give them some confidence. In a tough group, any bit of positivity will be required as they looking to avoid their faith in only other Women’s World Cup appearance four years ago. That time Jamaica lost all of their group games including a 3-0 defeat to Brazil in the opener and the opponent they will face again in the group. The Reggae Girlz could draw inspiration from their excellent showing at the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship where they reached the semifinals. They sealed qualification via that tournament finishing second behind eventual winners USA. Whatever Jamaica produce in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, it is expected to come from the feet of Khadija Shaw. After a resounding season with Manchester City, she will bring her levels on the international stage and improve from 2019. Shaw will hope France gives some uncomfortable moments to help her side gain at least a point from the match.
Recent Form
FRA-W: LWWWD
JMC-W: WLDLW
FRA-W vs JMC-W Predicted Lineups
FRA-W: Peyraud-Magnin; Lakrar, Cascarino, Renard, Karchaoui; Geyoro, Toletti, Dali; Diani, Mateo, Le Sommer
JMC-W: Spencer; Wiltshire, A. Swaby, C. Swaby, Blackwood; Carter, Spence, Solaun, Sampson, Brown; Shaw
FRA-W vs JMC-W Dream11 Team Prediction
GK: Peyraud-Magnin (7.5)
DEF: Lakrar (8.5), Renard (9), Blackwood (7.5)
MID: Carter (8.5), Dali (8.5), Geyoro (7.5), Spence (6.5)
FW: Le Sommer (8.5), Shaw (9), Diani (9)
Vice-captain: Le Sommer
Captain: Kadidatou Diani
