Chelsea’s Périsset nets winner as France defeat Netherlands to reach EURO semi-finals | OneFootball

Chelsea’s summer signing Ève Périsset netted the only goal as France defeated The Netherlands 1-0 after extra-time at The AESSEAL New York Stadium in Rotherham this evening in a UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 quarter-final.

Both sides had chances in the regular 90 minutes but neither could convert those opportunities. In the end, Périsset was the hero for France, converting from 12 yards after Kadidiatou Diani was adjudged to have been fouled.

The Netherlands went close to taking the lead early on in Rotherham but Kerstin Casparij’s dangerous cross was intercepted by Sakina Karchaoui who headed the ball back to her goalkeeper.

At the other end, Diani shot straight at Daphne van Domselaar before the Dutch keeper was required to palm a sliced clearance from Dominique Janssen to safety. Delphine Cascarino then thumped an effort straight at Van Domselaar before Sandie Toletti blazed an effort over when it looked easier to score.

France continued to press for the opening goal. Cascarino saw her long range rocket cannon off the post before Melvine Malard saw a shot cleared off the line. Grace Geyoro was the final French player to threaten the Dutch goal in a goalless first half, her shot was bravely blocked by Stefanie van der Gragt.

The Netherlands were a little brighter in the second half and they had chances to take the lead. First, a corner found Vivianne Miedema completely unmarked in the box but she couldn’t direct her effort on target before Van der Gragt headed straight at French keeper Pauline Peyraud-Magnin.

At the other end, Wendie Renard saw her goal-bound effort blocked on the line by Van der Gragt before Van Domselaar produced two excellent saves to deny both Selma Bacha and the French captain.

France should have won it with four minutes to go but Geyoro somehow headed wide following a pinpoint cross from Bacha. Les Bleues then had another big chance at the death but Renard was again denied by the exceptional Van Domselaar.

Bacha went close in the early stages of the first half of extra-time but her effort whistled just over the bar. France then had claims for a penalty when Janssen tackled Diani in the box. The incident went to VAR and the penalty was awarded following a pitchside review. Périsset took the spot kick and just beat Van Domselaar who got close to the shot.

France pushed for a second goal both in the remaining minutes of the first half and through the second additional period but they were unable to severely test Van Domselaar again, although it didn’t matter one bit.

Les Bleues will now take on Germany in the semi-finals in Milton Keynes on Wednesday evening.