The French Perspective on the Women’s World Cup

By Ulysse Pasquier, writing from Paris

An entire country, in which “World Cup” was still synonymous with “controversy”, is rediscovering football through the Women’s World Cup. Reaching the semi finals of the tournament for the first time in their history, Les Bleues have enchanted France after beating England on penalties. Unlike in the US, women’s football has always received very little attention in France with the men’s team monopolizing most of the media coverage. A year after the Knysna training strike incident in South Africa however, the ladies are now very much in the spotlight and have delighted a record number of viewers thanks to their desire to win and easygoing attitude off the pitch. Qualified for the London Olympic Games after Germany’s defeat at the hands of Japan, this World Cup has already been an all-round success. However France now face a tough challenge against the number 1 team in the world and will need to be at their best to even trouble the Americans.

Where this World Cup has been most successful is in breaking any existing bias against women’s football. Not only have the matches provided all the excitement and passion you could ever wish for, but they have also proven the sport is not just dully dominated by the US and Germany. There has been a high level of competition between the teams and though the French are underdogs against the Americans, the players seem to believe the dream can go on.

Sonia Bompastor, Les Bleues’ left back, played two seasons for the Washington Freedom and recently spoke about the differences in women’s football between France and the US. According to Sonia there’s not only a significant cultural difference, but the game in the Women’s Professional Soccer is also played with more pace. This is translated into the national team, which Bompastor describes as “powerful, enthusiastic and aggressive”. The French defense have set it as their priority to stop Abby Wambach - who played with Bompastor at Washington - but will also be wary of other threats capable of unsettling the back four. 

The French veteran highlighted as well the “business” side of clubs in America. Indeed, only Lyon in the French “Division 1” would be able to compete with the financial assets of American clubs. Lyon has dominated the French league and has also triumphed in Europe winning the Champions League last season. France’s success in the World Cup has a lot to do with Lyon’s recent development with 10 of the 21 selected French players coming from the club including Bompastor and Louisa “Zidane” Necib.

Women’s football still has a long way to go in France and it will take time before it can truly compete with the men. As French coach Bruno Bini pointed out, while the players coming from Lyon are all full time professionals, others from Montpellier or Paris have part-time contracts and very often are going through their studies or even have a job. The players are not stars yet and keep a great relationship with the fans, sending videos of cheering and appreciation. “It’s a fresh start” and a needed one as Chantal Jouanno, French sport minister simply put it. Perhaps the lads could learn a thing or two.

Do you think France have what it takes to cause an upset against the US tomorrow?