France captain Wendie Renard. Sports Press Photo

Watch: Wendie Renard header seals crucial victory for France at World Cup

By Alyssa Clang | Last updated 7/29/23

After a disappointing 0-0 draw with Jamaica in its opening game of the World Cup, France — a team that should be challenging for the trophy — looked to be in serious trouble.

It needed a convincing victory against heavy-hitter Brazil to send a message to the rest of Group F.

While France's closely fought 2-1 win wasn't the blowout fans might've hoped for, it showed exactly how much character the French women bring to each match. They battled tirelessly and deserved all three points they earned.

"I was fully confident they were going to pull it out of the bag this evening," France coach Herve Renard told the press. "I knew they wanted to get back on track."

Both of France's goals came from poorly defended set pieces. Eugenie Le Sommer, France's all-time leading goalscorer, netted the first after a gorgeous one-two with striker Kadidiatou Diani.

OF COURSE IT'S FRANCES ALL-TIME LEADING GOALSCORER TO PUT LES BLEUES IN FRONT pic.twitter.com/AhyqdzMMin
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 29, 2023

After Debinha equalized in the second half, it took Wendie Renard — France's captain — to break the deadlock.

Renard, a defender, had blocked a goal-bound Brazilian shot just a few minutes earlier. She positioned herself on the far post for France's corner and was left unmarked to slam a textbook header into the Brazilian goal.

WONDERFUL WENDIE

It's another French legend on the scoresheet as France reclaims the 2-1 lead in Brisbane! pic.twitter.com/v5mW98U7EP
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 29, 2023

For France, this victory means everything. It puts the team in prime position to qualify for the knockout rounds with a group-topping four points, +1 goal difference and two goals scored.

For Brazil, however, this loss makes things hellaciously complex. Surprise challenger Jamaica beat Panama Saturday morning after drawing with France, slotting itself into second place in Group F with four points, +1 goal difference and one goal scored. Brazil, despite its opening victory, is now stranded in third place with three points to Jamaica's four.

Brazil and Jamaica will face off on Wednesday in a clash that will determine who qualifies for the knockout rounds. Will it be Brazil, the World Cup title challenger off to a slow start, or Jamaica, the long shot underdog racking up unexpected points?

1. France - 4 pts (+1 GD)
2. Jamaica - 4 pts (+1 GD)
3. Brazil - 3 pts (+3 GD)

GROUP F IS WILD AT THE WORLD CUP WITH ONE GAME TO GO. pic.twitter.com/boXuLmQzhv
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) July 29, 2023

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