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    France vs. Cymru | 2025 European Women’s Championship – Group Stage Final tournament – Grp D

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        Live ReportMatch Summary

        2. How Group D looks after today’s matches.

        4. Match summary

          Cymru’s hopes of reaching the UEFA EURO 2025 quarter-finals suffered a significant blow as they were beaten 4-1 by France in their second group match in St Gallen.

          Jess Fishlock made history by scoring Cymru’s first ever goal at a women’s major tournament, but it was not enough to earn a result against a side who reached the semi-finals of this competition three years ago.

          France promised a fast start in St Gallen and they delivered just that, dominating the early exchanges and taking the lead after only eight minutes played when Clara Mateo volleyed home a loose ball in the box as Cymru could not clear Selma Bacha’s corner.

          But Cymru responded magnificently. They were level only five minutes later when Gemma Evans superbly played Ceri Holland through down the left hand side, with the Liverpool forward squaring the ball to Jess Fishlock, who poked home from close range.

          The celebrations were temporarily cut short as the offside flag was raised against Holland, but a VAR check permitted the goal to stand – sparking wild scenes of celebration on the Cymru bench and in the stands. A first ever goal at a women’s major tournament, while Fishlock became the oldest goalscorer in UEFA Women’s EURO history.

          France continued to threaten after the goal, yet they rarely troubled Safia Middleton-Patel as Bacha and Kadidiatou Diani both sent efforts flying over the bar.

          But as was the case against Netherlands, Cymru conceded just before half-time to trail at the break. Mateo’s dangerous run into the box was halted by a trip from Holland, with Diani scoring the resulting penalty by slotting straight down the middle. Middleton-Patel, who had dived right, got a touch with her foot but could not keep it out.

          It felt like history was repeating itself again after the break, as France scored early in the second half to extend their lead. 53 minutes were on the clock when Mateo robbed Middleton-Patel of the ball in the box before cutting it back to Amel Majri to finish into an empty net.

          Les Bleues had a fourth goal shortly after the hour mark as Diani found space on the right of the box and crossed for captain Grace Geyoro to turn home.

          As if to display their prowess, France brought on a pair of superstars in Chelsea’s Sandy Baltimore and Lyon’s Marie-Antoinette Katoto for the final 15 minutes – further indication of just how tough a draw Cymru have been handed at this tournament.

          Cymru made a significant substitution of their own in the closing stages as Sophie Ingle was introduced to a rousing reception from Y Wal Goch – spurred on by the departing Fishlock. The midfielder may have thought she would never make this tournament after suffering an ACL injury 10 months ago, but she came on to earn her 142nd cap and an appearance at a major tournament that she has worked so hard towards.

          The full-time whistle confirmed two defeats from two games for Cymru at EURO 2025, but the scenes at full-time – mutal appreciation between the team and the incredible Y Wal Goch – showed this is still a moment of pride for this group. More history has been written, more memories have been made and a generation continues to be inspired.

          Cymru will head back to St Gallen on Sunday for their final Group D fixture against England, but must win by four goals, while hoping that France are victorious over Netherlands, to reach the knockouts.

        5. Full-time: France 4-1 Cymru

          Defeat for Cymru tonight, which leaves the chances of making it through to the quarter-finals looking slim.

          Jess Fishlock’s historic goal in the 13th minute, which levelled the game up at 1-1, is a moment no one will ever forget but it was not enough to earn Cymru a result they desperately craved.

          As was the case against Netherlands in the first group game, Cymru conceded just before half-time to trail at the break as Kadidiatou Diani scored from the penalty spot.

          Amel Majri and Grace Geyoro added to the scoring early in the second half, ultimately putting the game beyond Rhian Wilkinson’s side despite another valiant effort and unwavering support from Y Wal Goch.

          Cymru’s final match in Group D sees them return to St Gallen on Sunday to face England.

        6. 90'

          Four added minutes to conclude.

        7. 87'

          Substitution

          INGLE Sophie replaces FISHLOCK Jessica Anne

        8. 87'

          An incredible reception for Sophie Ingle as she replaces Jess Fishlock. The midfielder may have thought she would never make this tournament after suffering an ACL injury 10 months ago, but she comes on to earn her 142nd cap. An emotional moment.

        9. 87'

          Substitution

          INGLE Sophie replaces FISHLOCK Jessica Anne

        10. Tonight’s attendance at Arena St Gallen has been confirmed as 15,886 🙌

        11. 80'

          Yellow card

          Kelly Gago

        12. 79'

          Yellow card

          HOLLAND Ceri

        13. 79'

          Substitution

          JOEL Lois replaces ROWE Rachel

        14. 78'

          Substitution

          JONES Carrie replaces ROWE Rachel

        15. 78'

          Substitution

          JOEL Lois replaces MORGAN Ffion Alys

        16. 78'

          Substitution

          Sakina Karchaoui replaces Sandie Toletti

        17. 78'

          Substitution

          JONES Carrie replaces MORGAN Ffion Alys

        18. 78'

          Substitution

          Sakina Karchaoui replaces Sandie Toletti

        19. 76'

          France have just brought on superstar duo Sandy Baltimore of Chelsea and Lyon’s Marie-Antoinette Katoto for the final 15 minutes. Further indication of just how tough a draw Cymru have been handed at this tournament.

        20. 75'

          Substitution

          Sandy Baltimore replaces Grace Geyoro

        21. 75'

          Substitution

          Marie-Antoinette Katoto replaces Clara Mateo

        22. 75'

          Substitution

          Sandy Baltimore replaces Grace Geyoro

        23. 75'

          Substitution

          Marie-Antoinette Katoto replaces Clara Mateo

        24. 69'

          A good save from Middleton-Patel down to her left to deny Clara Mateo from close range.

        25. 66'

          Substitution

          Lou Bogaert replaces Selma Bacha

        26. 66'

          Substitution

          Kelly Gago replaces Melvine Malard

        27. 66'

          Substitution

          Kelly Gago replaces Melvine Malard

        28. 66'

          Substitution

          Lou Bogaert replaces Selma Bacha

        29. 65'

          Substitution

          ROBERTS Rhiannon replaces ROWE Rachel

        30. 65'

          Substitution

          CAIN Hannah replaces BARTON Kayleigh

        31. 64'

          Substitution

          CAIN Hannah replaces BARTON Kayleigh

        32. 64'

          Substitution

          ROBERTS Rhiannon replaces WOODHAM Lily

        33. 64'

          Goal

          Grace Geyoro

        34. 63'

          Goal

          Grace Geyoro

        35. 63'

          France 4-1 Cymru

          Kadidiatou Diani’s cross is turned home by Grace Geyoro.

        36. 58'

          Strong pressing from Cymru earns Ceri Holland a chance in the box, with her shot deflected wide for a corner.

        37. 53'

          Goal

          Amel Majri

        38. 53'

          France 3-1 Cymru

          France have a third goal. Middleton-Patel is robbed of the ball by Clara Mateo in a dangerous area, who cuts it back to Amel Majri to finish into an empty net.

        39. 53'

          Goal

          Amel Majri

        40. 49'

          Brilliant work from Angharad James earns Cymru a free-kick on the left hand side. Fishlock almost earns a chance from Holland’s delivery into the box.

        41. 46'

          We are back under way in St Gallen. No changes for either side at the break.

        42. Half-Time: France 2-1 Cymru

          France promised a fast start in St Gallen and they delivered just that, dominating the early exchanges and taking the lead after only eight minutes played when Clara Mateo volleyed home a loose ball in the box as Cymru could not clear Selma Bacha’s corner.

          But Cymru responded magnificently. They were level only five minutes later when Ceri Holland was released down the left hand side and squared the ball to Jess Fishlock, who poked home from close range.

          The celebrations were temporarily cut short as the offside flag was raised against Holland, but a VAR check permitted the goal to stand – sparking wild scenes of celebration on the Cymru bench and in the stands. A first ever goal at a women’s major tournament, while Fishlock became the oldest goalscorer in UEFA Women’s EURO history.

          But as was the case against Netherlands, Cymru conceded just before half-time to trail at the break. Holland tripped Mateo in the box and Kadidiatou Diani scored the resulting penalty, slotting straight down the middle past Safia Middleton-Patel who got a touch but could not keep it out.

        43. 45' + 2'

          Penalty

          Kadidiatou Diani

        44. 45' + 1'

          Penalty

          Kadidiatou Diani

        45. 45'

          Six minutes added on at the end of the first half.

        46. 45'

          France 2-1 Cymru

          Kadidiatou Diani scores the penalty straight down the middle.

        47. 44'

          Penalty to France. Ceri Holland trips Clara Mateo in the box.

        48. 42'

          Yellow card

          Selma Bacha

        49. 42'

          Yellow card

          Selma Bacha

        50. 40'

          A French through ball finds Melvine Malard in space in the box, but Safia Middleton-Patel intercepts to turn it behind.

        51. 37'

          France have continued to look threatening since Cymru’s equaliser, but Rhian Wilkinson’s side are dealing with the danger well so far. In attack, the pace of Ffion Morgan and Ceri Holland is always giving Cymru an option.

        52. A goal that will be replayed for a long time to come.

        53. 21'

          Yellow card

          FISHLOCK Jessica Anne

        54. 21'

          Yellow card

          FISHLOCK Jessica Anne

        55. What a moment. Cymru’s first ever goal at a UEFA Women’s EURO finals. It was always going to be Jess Fishlock 🔥

          Jess Fishlock of Wales celebrates scoring for Cymru against France.

        56. Jessica Anne Fishlock is now the oldest goalscorer in UEFA Women’s EURO history 👏

        57. 16'

          Goal

          FISHLOCK Jessica Anne

        58. 14'

          Goal

          FISHLOCK Jessica Anne

        59. 13'

          Goal

          FISHLOCK Jessica Anne

        60. 13'

          France 1-1 Cymru

          JESSSS FISHLOCCKKK! CYMRU ARE LEVEL!

          Ceri Holland breaks away down the left hand side, finds Fishlock in the middle at the second attempt and she taps in! The offside flag is raised but a VAR check says the goal stands!

        62. 8'

          Goal

          Clara Mateo

        63. 8'

          Goal

          Clara Mateo

        64. 8'

          France 1-0 Cymru

          France have looked dangerous in the early exchanges here and they have the lead. Cymru fail to deal with Selma Bacha’s corner and Clara Mateo volleys home.

        65. Y Wal Goch ❤️

        66. 1'

          We are under way in St Gallen. A massive 90 minutes coming up. Ymlaen, Cymru! 👊

        67. An impeccable rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau once again ❤️

        69. Cymru finish their warm up at Arena St Gallen as Yma o Hyd plays around the stadium. C’MON CYMRU! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

        71. The Cymru end at Arena St Gallen is already filling up nicely. Incredible support once again from Y Wal Goch 👏

        73. All smiles from Charlie Estcourt, Elise Hughes, Ffion Morgan and Lily Woodham 😄

        74. What a moment for 20-year-old goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel, who will earn only her fifth cap for Cymru this evening.

          Middleton-Patel, who has spoken openly and inspiringly about her Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) diagnosis, earned the Player of the Match award in her most recent start against Sweden in April.

        75. Here’s how France line up in St Gallen this evening. They make seven changes from their win over England four days ago.

        76. Result from Zurich

          The result is in from today’s other game in Group D, with England triumphing 4-0 over Netherlands in Zurich.

          That means it is mathematically impossible for Cymru to be knocked out this evening, even if they lose, but victory for Rhian Wilkinson’s side would mean that every team in Group D sits on three points ahead of Matchday 3.

        78. Team News 🇫🇷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

          Rhian Wilkinson makes four changes from Saturday’s defeat to Netherlands, including a switch in goal as Safia Middleton-Patel replaces Olivia Clark for her tournament debut.

          Meanwhile, Kayleigh Barton, Rachel Rowe and Ffion Morgan – who all appeared as substitutes against Netherlands – come in for Hannah Cain, Hayley Ladd and Rhiannon Roberts.

        81. Y Wal Goch are beginning to fill the streets of St Gallen 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

        82. Tonight’s venue

          This is where Cymru will take to the field this evening, Arena St Gallen. With a capacity of 16,300 it is slightly bigger than the Allmend Stadion in Lucerne where Rhian Wilkinson’s side played Netherlands on Saturday.

          Home of Swiss Super League side FC St Gallen, it has already hosted one match at EURO 2025 – Germany’s 2-0 win over Poland in Group C.

        85. Sophie Ingle found the scoresheet the last time Cymru faced France, a 2-1 defeat at Parc y Scarlets in 2022.

        86. The view from the opposition

          Laurent Bonadei, France head coach: “I see this Welsh team as a very good one, with great spirit. They play without pressure, they have nothing to lose.They might press high at the start of the match, or they might stay compact and look to hit on the counter.”

        87. Angharad James on France test:

          “We’ve prepared for France just as we would prepare for any other game. This is any other game, we’ve played them before and we know what we can do to get something from the game.

          “We’ve learned a lot over the past few days about ourselves, individually and collectively. We’ve had some tough conversations over the past few days but we are ready to get back out on the field and put in a performance to be proud of.”

        88. Latest team news

          Rhian Wilkinson confirmed in yesterday’s press conference that all 23 Cymru players are fit and available for selection tonight, including Ceri Holland who was forced off with cramp in the opening game against Netherlands.

        89. It’s Matchday.

          St Gallen awaits for Cymru’s second game at UEFA EURO 2025, with 2022 semi-finalists France the opposition. Les Bleues triumphed 2-1 over reigning champions England in their opening game, a few hours after Cymru’s 3-0 defeat to Netherlands.

          It means that Rhian Wilkinson’s side will likely need at least a point to keep their quarter-final hopes alive, dependent on the result between England and Netherlands in today’s earlier kick-off.

          It will not be easy – this has not been dubbed the ‘Group of Death’ for no reason. But Cymru held their own for periods of their major tournament debut four days ago and with Y Wal Goch behind them in their numbers once again, anything is possible.

        93. Group D: What teams need to reach the quarter-finals

          Netherlands will be through to the quarter-finals if they beat England and Wales do not beat France.

          France will be through to the quarter-finals if they beat Wales and England do not beat the Netherlands.

          England will be unable to reach the quarter-finals if they lose to the Netherlands and France avoid defeat by Wales.

          Wales will be unable to reach the quarter-finals if they lose to France and the Netherlands avoid defeat by England.

        94. Reporters’ pre-match views

          Jérôme Vitoux, France reporter for UEFA: “After a strong opening performance against England, Les Bleues are enjoying the moment. Alice Sombath was the unexpected standout player, but coach Laurent Bonadei has already hinted at changes for the Wales game.

          “This planned rotation reflects the squad’s depth and attacking power. The team look united, calm and ambitious. With a blend of confidence and caution, France know that their second match could be a tricky one – but it may be the moment they truly show how strong they are.”

          Mark Pitman, Wales reporter for UEFA: “Wales went into the unknown against the Netherlands on Matchday 1 and quickly learned the harsh realities of competing against the elite of the European game as their Women’s EURO debut ended with a 3-0 defeat.

          “However, Rhian Wilkinson’s side stayed defensively disciplined for the majority of the opening half and gave everything until the final whistle. France will be another difficult test, but Wales are one game wiser and will have acclimatised to the intensity of performing at this level.”

        95. Key Match Facts

          France are on a nine-match winning streak in 2025, having won every international fixture they’ve played this year.

          Les Bleues have found the net in 13 of their last 14 UEFA Women’s EURO final tournament appearances.

          Grace Geyoro marked a milestone on Matchday 1, earning her 100th international cap for France.

          Selma Bacha netted her first senior international goal in a 2-1 win over Cymru during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers in Guingamp on 30 November 2021.

          Cymru midfielder Jess Fishlock spent the 2018–19 season on loan with Lyon, where she played alongside French stars Amel Majri, Selma Bacha, Griedge Mbock Bathy, and Delphine Cascarino.

        96. Josie Green ahead of France test

          “There’s no denying that France are a top footballing nation and they’ve got some powerhouse women in their team,” said the Cymru defender to UEFA. “So for us it’s about concentrating on how we can nullify those threats and utilise our strengths against their weaknesses.

          “We have to just focus on the game, focus on what we can control, focus on our processes, and just individually, how best we can perform our game plan.

          “I think that if we can do that then it’s going to be a good day for us. But it’s going to be tough no matter what, but I know this group, we have got it in us to pull something out of the bag if it all comes together.”

        97. Rhiannon Roberts on facing France

          “We’ve played France a couple of times before,” Roberts told UEFA. “It’s just another game for us we’ll just focus purely on the football and be a little bit calmer.

          “We’ve got to look at how far we’ve come over the years. We’ve got to take all the confidence that we’ve created from those games in the Nations League into these games now.

          “We came really close against France on both occasions. We know that we can compete against these big teams, so it’s just keeping that belief.”

        98. Meet The Ref

          Désirée Grundbacher will officiate Cymru’s match against France on Wednesday evening. A seasoned referee, she has been on the FIFA International Referees List since 2012 and is a regular presence at major international tournaments. Grundbacher frequently takes charge of matches in the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the UEFA Women’s Nations League.

          Her international experience also includes officiating during the qualifiers for the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, and the qualification campaign for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022.

          A former midfielder for Switzerland, Grundbacher is the only Swiss referee selected to officiate at this summer’s European Championships. She previously officiated Belgium’s opening match against Italy last week.

          Joining her on the officiating team are fellow Swiss officials Susann Küng and Linda Schmid as assistant referees. Rivera Olmedo of Spain will serve as the fourth official.

        99. Josie Green and Rhiannon Roberts take to the seat in The Cwtsh connected by EE, where a special guest also pops in.

        100. Take a look back at Cymru’s opening match at EURO 2025.

        101. Head-to-Head Record

          France have won all past encounters against Cymru, winning all four meetings since 2011 and scoring 12 goals in total.

          Their closest contest came in August 2022 in Llanelli, where France edged a 2–1 win. That match was notable for Helen Ward’s 100th Wales cap – a proud moment in Cymru’s football history.

        102. France’s Road to Switzerland

          France qualified for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 as group winners, despite suffering defeats against England and the Republic of Ireland during qualifying.

          France 1–0 Republic of Ireland
          Sweden 0–1 France
          England 1–2 France
          France 1–2 England
          France 2–1 Sweden
          Republic of Ireland 3–1 France

        103. Key Players to Watch

          Marie-Antoinette Katoto
          At 26, Marie-Antoinette Katoto is France’s most prolific forward and the natural successor to Eugénie Le Sommer. The PSG striker has 37 goals in 53 appearances and was instrumental in qualifying, scoring winning goals against Ireland, England, and Sweden. She carried that form into the 2024 Olympics, scoring five of France’s six goals.

          Grace Geyoro
          A technically gifted midfielder, Grace Geyoro is the heartbeat of the French midfield. Born in DR Congo and raised in France, she joined PSG at 15 and has developed into one of the most consistent performers for both club and country. With nearly 100 caps, she brings experience, composure, and leadership.

        104. In The Spotlight | France

          As Cymru prepare to face France in their second group game of EURO 2025, we take a closer look at Les Bleues.

          Who’s the Manager?
          Laurent Bonadei is currently at the helm of Les Bleues. A seasoned coach with extensive experience in youth football, Bonadei previously served as Hervé Renard’s assistant for both Saudi Arabia’s men’s national team and France’s women’s side.

          After Renard stepped down following the 2024 Olympics, Bonadei took over and made an instant impact, guiding France to a perfect record in the Nations League (6 wins out of 6). This role marks the highest-profile appointment of his coaching career.

          Who’s the Captain?
          Griedge Mbock Bathy leads France as captain. The formidable centre-back, born in Brest to Cameroonian and Malagasy parents, rose through the ranks at Stade Briochin and Guingamp before a record-breaking move to Olympique Lyonnais in 2015. During her nine seasons at Lyon, she won over 20 trophies and made 193 appearances, scoring 36 goals.

          In July 2024, Mbock joined Paris Saint-Germain, signing a three-year deal. A youth World Cup winner and Player of the Tournament in 2012, Mbock has been a mainstay in the national team since her senior debut in 2013.

          Find out more here.

        105. Fishlock ready to bin Dutch negatives ahead of French challenge

          Jess Fishlock was on media duty at the Cymru training ground this morning and was clear on how her team will move forward from Saturday’s defeat to the Netherlands as they prepare to take on France on Wednesday night.

          “I know us as a group, we will refocus, we will learn really fast and we’re really excited to get back on the field on Wednesday,” said Fishlock to the assembled media. “If you’re going to ask me if I still believe that, then I will say, wholeheartedly, I still believe.

          “The biggest message is not to dwell too much on the game and the loss. I think we really need to take what we need to take from it, move forward and throw the rest in the bin. If it’s not going to help you, it’s just going to hurt you.”

          Fishlock started in the defeat in Lucerne on Saturday but is confident that there is a lot more to come from this Cymru team on their first experience of competing at a major tournament.

          “This team is still on a journey,” she added. “It’s not like we qualified for the Euros and all of a sudden everything is perfect – that’s just not how this sport works. We are in a group with three unbelievably great teams and yes we have to learn perhaps a little bit faster than usual but do I believe that we can do that? 100%.

          “France are a great team. They’ll cause us different problems to Holland. They’re very powerful, very comfortable on the ball, love wide areas. We don’t have to win it in the first five minutes. We have to stay in it as long as possible and use the players that we have. We have some fantastic players that can cause damage to any team.”

        107. Elise Hughes & Lois Joel join The Cwtsh connected by EE to talk about the incredible support from Y Wal Goch, Cymru’s EURO 2025 debut, their families pride, and THAT anthem.

        108. Join the Cymru WhatsApp channel

          Stay up to date with the Cymru National Teams in our WhatsApp channel. Click the link below to join right now and get updates straight to your phone.

          Join now

        109. Match Photography

          Take a look back at Cymru’s first ever match at a major tournament in our photography archive. See if you can spot yourself in the stands. If you do, you can purchase and download the image as a wonderful memory forever.

          Go to FAW Photography Archive

        110. As it stands

          The Netherlands are the current leaders of Group D following their 3-0 win over Cymru on Saturday while France sit in second place having claimed a 2-1 victory over England.

          Vivianne Miedema was the star for the Netherlands in Lucerne as she scored her 100th international goal just before half-time, and further strikes from Victoria Pelova and Esmee Brugts completed the scoring.

          In Zurich, two goals in the opening half from Sandy Baltimore and Marie-Antoinette Katoto put France in a commanding position. Although England pulled a goal back through Keira Walsh in the final minutes, France held on for an important victory.

          The Group D action resumes on Wednesday when England take on the Netherlands in Zurich (5pm) before Cymru meet France in St. Gallen (8pm).

        111. There is no live report available for this match

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