It’s finally here! The 2019 World Cup has begun, and France have justified their status as one of the tournament favourites.
FRANCE v KOREA REPUBLIC
France started their World Cup campaign in the perfect manner, defeating Korea Republic 4-0 in front of a sellout crowd at the Parc des Princes.
Eugenie Le Sommer’s early strike sent the hosts on their way, and a Wendie Renard double helped them to a 3-0 halftime lead. Amandine Henry rounded off the scoring late on after a brilliant long range goal.
The home side made all the early running, putting constant pressure on the South Koreans with their high pressing. In the 9th minute, Henry escaped down the right flank and cut the ball back for Le Sommer, who smashed the ball in off the underside of the crossbar.
France thought they had doubled their lead in the 26th minute when Greidge Mbock Bathy did excellently to volley home from Renard’s knock down. However, the goal was reviewed by VAR and eventually ruled out for offside.
The hosts wouldn’t have to wait long for a second goal though, and ten minutes before half time Renard leapt above the South Korean defence to score off Gaetane Thiney’s corner kick.
Renard was at it again in first half stoppage time, making it 3-0 from another corner kick, this time off the boot of Amel Majri.
The home side took their foot off the gas in the second half, but still dominated the play, starving Korea Republic of both possession and chances. The best moment for the South Koreans came in the 77th minute when Lee Mi-Na raced past the defence, only to drag her shot wide.
That chance seemed to spur France on. They rounded off the scoring in the 84th minute, as Henry curled a spectacular shot into the net from outside the area.
https://twitter.com/OptusSport/status/1137099505285754880
Both teams will play their next matches on Wednesday (local time). Korea Republic will look to get off the mark against Nigeria, while France meet Norway.
France 4 (Le Sommer 9’, Renard 35’ 45+2’, Henry 85’)
Korea Republic 0
