Punished on set pieces, Les Vertes bow out

Context

Les Vertes return to their home ground at Salif-Keita this Saturday to host Strasbourg, a team that has become a serious contender in Arkema Première Ligue, sitting sixth in the table ahead of the match.

Starting XI

The team will line up in a 3-5-2 formation with Morgane Blekhiter and Kedie Johnson playing as defensive midfielders alongside Moira Kelley, Déborah Bien-Aimé, and Aleksandra Gajic. Sofie Hornemann and Nadjma Ali-Nadjim will be fed balls by Faustine Bataillard, Rachel Corboz, and Sarah Cambot.

Game scenario

After ten minutes of observation, Saint-Étienne had the first shot of the match. But off balance and from far out, Nadjma Ali-Nadjim failed to hit the target (12'). Sofie Hornemann headed Sarah Cambot's fine cross on target, but Wahl, the opposing goalkeeper, made the save (15'). Strasbourg failed to hit the target with their first attempt on the counterattack. After winning the ball high up the pitch, Nadjma Ali-Nadjim's first-time shot flew well wide of the goal (27').  After some good teamwork and a long spell of possession, Sofie Hornemann struck on the turn. Her attempt grazed the post (35'). In a strong spell, Les Vertes put pressure on the Alsatian goal with several corners and long-range shots, including one from Faustine Bataillard that was saved (40'). Just before the break, the Saint-Étienne midfielder sent in another powerful shot on target, but it was saved again (45'). The scoreless draw at halftime was a fair result for the visitors.

Back from the locker room, Les Vertes lit the first spark with another long-range attempt, but Sarah Cambot failed to hit the target (54'). Strasbourg punished the home side's lack of realism with a free kick. Former Green Elise Bonnet, alone at the back post, easily and cruelly opened the scoring (0-1, 59'). From another set piece, a corner, the visitors doubled their lead through Barrett (0-2, 64'). Nadjma Ali-Nadjim's clever lob beat the goalkeeper but narrowly missed the target (76'). In added time, the Saint-Étienne striker missed a penalty that would not have changed the final score. 

La suite

Les Vertes will not play again until Wednesday, March 11, when they travel to Dijon, before hosting Paris FC twice and then Lens at Geoffroy-Guichard in what is already shaping up to be a crucial match for survival.