France's Women's Team Faces Netherlands in Crucial Euro 2025 Match
France women's football team gears up for decisive Euro 2025 match against the Netherlands.
Key Points
- • France needs at least a draw against the Netherlands to qualify for the quarter-finals of Euro 2025.
- • The match will be broadcast live on France 2 at 21:00.
- • Goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin aims to prove herself in her fourth major tournament despite past criticism.
- • Coach Laurent Bonadei may face lineup challenges due to player injuries.
The France women's national football team, affectionately known as the Bleues, is preparing for a pivotal showdown against the Netherlands in their final group stage match of the Euro 2025 tournament on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 21:00 in Basel, Switzerland. After having secured victories over England (2-1) and Wales (4-1), France is in a strong position but needs at least a draw to guarantee progression to the quarter-finals. The match will be broadcast live on France 2 and available on RMC radio, following a late adjustment in broadcasting agreements originally set for TF1.
Coach Laurent Bonadei is expected to field a strong starting lineup, despite facing concerns over player injuries—particularly regarding Griedge Mbock and Maëlle Lakrar. With two wins already, the team only needs to avoid defeat against the Netherlands, who suffered a significant setback with a 0-4 loss to England, putting them in a precarious position in the group. If France advances, they are likely to encounter Sweden or Germany in the next round depending on how the other matches unfold in Group D.
A notable focus for France heading into this match is goalkeeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, aged 33, who is starting in her fourth major competition. Despite ongoing criticisms throughout her career, she has recently found a sense of balance and peace in her role, attributing her positive mindset to the coaching of Lionel Letizi, who has worked with her to enhance her performance. Letizi recognized Peyraud-Magnin's capabilities, highlighting her strong match performances despite the public scrutiny she faced. She has learned to manage the pressures that accompany her position, focusing on her game rather than external expectations.
As the match draws closer, Peyraud-Magnin expresses optimism about her form, stating, "I feel that I am currently in my best form and am excited about the upcoming challenges." The outcome of this match will not only impact France's position in the tournament but also serve as a stage for enhancing the visibility of women's football in the country.