FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 Tactical Analysis: France vs Nigeria

Nigeria faced hosts France in the third round of the FIFA Womens World Cup group stages. The hosts had already secured a spot in the knockout stages, with wins over South Korea and Norway. This face-off was a good opportunity for the French boss Corinne Diacre to find a window of recovery for her top players in the midst of a competitive tournament packed with fixtures.

The Super Falcons from West Africa faced challenges beginning the tournament but proved indomitable against South Korea in Group A. They were still in pursuit of at least a point to put them in an advantageous position to qualify to the next round. Thus both teams had different objectives as they met at the Roazhon Park in Rennes.

In this tactical analysis, we examine how both teams played out to optimise their strengths and meet their objectives.

Lineups:

France: Bouhaddi, Perisset, Bathy, Renard, Majri, Henry, Thiney, Bilbault, Cascarino, Gauvin, Asseyi Subs:  Durand, Torrent, Tounkara, Karchaoui, Geyoro, Le Sommer, Diani, Laurent, Bussaglia, Debever, Clemaron, Peyraud-Magnin

Nigeria: Nnadozie, Okeke, Ebi, Ohale, Ebere, Ayinde, Okobi, Chikwelu, Ordega, Oshoala, Oparanozie Subs: Oluehi, Okoronkwo, Nwabuoku, Imo, Uchendu, Kanu, Ajibade, Ihezuo, Ogebe, Chukwudi, Jonathan

Diacre gives non-regulars a chance

France, having effortlessly accomplished the first objective of progressing to the next stage, were already in preparation for the formidable opponents they would face in the knockout stages (Spain, United States or Sweden). It was necessary for Diacre to give his big guns, Eugénie Le Sommer and Kadidiatou Diani a deserved break. Élise Bussaglia who has been an engine in the midfield in the past two rounds of the group stages was exempted from the starting line-up against Nigeria.

This was an opportunity for the veteran, Gaëtane Thiney to step up to the challenge of leading the blues from the front and get the vital goals to see the game through. Diacre also chose Charlotte Bilbault to partner the captain, Amandine Henry in midfield. Marion Torrent, the attacking fullback who was unleashed potently against South Korea and Norway was rested in place of Eve Perisset.

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