French footballer Wendie Renard scored back-to-back headers as hosts and favourites France opened the FIFA Women’s World Cup with a one-sided 4-0 victory over rivals South Korea.
France were superb throughout the match and did not give anything away to the opposition. Eugenie Le Sommer’s 11th goal in as many appearances in just the ninth minute of the match, in front of a packed Parc des Princes, gave the hosts just the start they would have wanted. After taking an early lead, France did not give any opportunity to their rivals to make a comeback.
Before the half time, Windie Renard’s couple of excellent headers tripled France’s lead as they went into the half time with the scoreboard showing 3-0 in their favour.
Corinne Diacre’s side, understandably, eased off after the half time but then closed the proceedings with some style and grace as Amandine Henry scored the fourth goal of the match from just outside the penalty area to send across a very strong message to their World Cup opponents to not take them lightly.
A calm and composed attack prompted Henry squaring a low cross for Le Sommer to guide a first-time finish past Korea goalkeeper Kim Minjung.
France appeared to have multiplied their lead in dazzling style in the 26th minute when Griedge Mbock Bathy scored again in the 26th minute of the match but the goal was ruled out since it was called an off-side after a review.
Then came the double strike from Renard and just when it seemed like France were satisfied with a 3-0 victory over South Korea, Amandine Henry scored yet again in the 84th minute of the match, which proved to be the final nail in the coffin.
In the FIFA Women’s World Cup later today, Germany take on China and Spain take on South Africa from 6:30 pm (IST) and 9:30 pm (IST) respectively.