Les Bleues Conclude 2024 with Defeat to Spain
In their final match of 2024, the French women's national football team, known as Les Bleues, faced a challenging defeat against the reigning world champions, Spain, with a score of 2-4 in a friendly match held in Nice. This match took place on December 3, 2024, and showcased intense competition from both teams. The French team had previously secured a victory against Nigeria, winning 2-1 just days before.
Kadidiatou Diani was the standout performer for France, scoring the team's only goal in the 71st minute. The match saw an unfortunate own goal from Maria Mendez, which brought the score to 2-1 in favor of Spain at the 37th minute. Spain's goals came from notable players including Aitana Bonmati, who opened the scoring early in the 6th minute, Claudia Pina, Lucia Garcia Cordoba, and Mariona Caldentey, who sealed the victory with a penalty in the 81st minute.
Preparation for Upcoming Competitions
The match against Spain served as a crucial preparation for Les Bleues ahead of the Nations League set to begin in February 2025, and Euro 2025 scheduled for July in Switzerland. Coach Laurent Bonadei's squad aimed to build on their recent performances, particularly after a successful outing against Nigeria where they demonstrated their potential with a solid performance marked by the return of Amel Majri, who scored her first goal for the national team since 2021.
Selma Bacha, a key player for France, emphasized the importance of not allowing Spain to dominate possession, a tactic that had previously led to France's defeat in the Nations League final earlier in the year. Despite Spain's recent struggles, including a fourth-place finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics and the absence of key players like Jenni Hermoso and Alexia Putellas, they proved to be a formidable opponent.
Looking Ahead
Following this match, Les Bleues will take a three-month hiatus from national team duties before regrouping for the Nations League. They will face tough competition against Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland in the group stage. The draw for Euro 2025 is also set to take place on December 16, providing further opportunities for the team to strategize and prepare for the upcoming challenges.
