France eliminate defending champions, the Netherlands to reach Euros semi-final
France earned a deserved 1-0 extra-time victory over the Netherlands on Saturday to eliminate the defending champions and reach the semi-finals of the Women’s Euros for the first time.
Despite the heart-aching results at the New York Stadium in Rotherham, the Netherlands have had a superb campaign winning eight of their past nine games in the competition, a run that took them all the way to glory five years ago.
Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar produced a number of fine saves to frustrate Les Bleues, the best of which saw her deny Wendie Renard from the final act in normal time.
Notwithstanding, a zealous France team found a breakthrough in the 102nd minute through an Eve Perisset penalty, awarded following a VAR check after Dominique Janssen clearly brought down Kadidiatou Diani.
Van Domselaar got fingertips to the spot-kick but could not keep it out and the Netherlands, who eliminated France at this stage in 2009, were unable to find a leveller.
The result means England and Sweden will meet in the other semi-final on Tuesday, with the final set for July 31 at Wembley.
