France scores top spot in Group D!

July 13, 2025

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International Desk, Jul 13 (EFE).-

France completed a stunning comeback and sealed the top spot in Group D with a 5-2 win over the Netherlands, eliminating the Dutch and pushing England into second despite their dominant 6-1 victory over Wales.

The Netherlands started strong in Basel, going 2-1 up before halftime.

But France responded with firepower in the second half, especially through Delphine Cascarino, who led a six-minute blitz with two goals and an assist.

“We knew we had to fight. Cascarino showed us the way,” said France coach Laurent Bonadei.

A single fan with an orange cap (C-L, bottom) sits between French flags during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Group D soccer match between the Netherlands and France, in Basel, Switzerland, Jul. 13, 2025. EFE/EPA/GEORGIOS KEFALAS

Cascarino’s solo goal in the 64th minute gave France the lead, and she struck again two minutes later to make it 4-2.

France’s Sakina Karchaoui scores the 2-5 goal during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Group D soccer match between the Netherlands and France, in Basel, Switzerland, Jul. 13, 2025. EFE/EPA/GEORGIOS KEFALAS

Karchaoui’s late penalty sealed the win and France’s perfect group-stage record.

England, playing at the same time in St. Gallen needed a big win and got it, but it wasn’t enough to top the group.

The Lionesses cruised past debutants Wales with six different scorers, including Ella Toone, Alessia Russo, and Beth Mead.

“We gave everything. It’s bittersweet because we did our part,” said England midfielder Georgia Stanway.

Netherlands’s Chasity Grant (L) in action against France’s Selma Bacha during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Group D soccer match between the Netherlands and France, in Basel, Switzerland, Jul. 13, 2025. EFE/EPA/GEORGIOS KEFALAS

Despite briefly topping the group during the games, France’s comeback knocked England to second place. The defending champions now face Sweden in the quarterfinals, while France meets Germany.

Netherlands’ Victoria Pelova in action during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Group D soccer match between the Netherlands and France, in Basel, Switzerland, Jul. 13, 2025. EFE/EPA/GEORGIOS KEFALAS

England’s Aggie Beever-Jones (C) celebrates scoring the 6-1 goal during the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 Group D soccer match between England and Wales in St. Gallen, Switzerland, Jul. 13, 2025. EFE/EPA/GIAN EHRENZELLER EDITORIAL USE ONLY

The Netherlands, despite a promising first half, crashed out in heartbreak. “It’s tough. We felt close,” said Dutch midfielder Victoria Pelova. EFE int-seo