France continued their serene march through group D with a confident 4-1 win over Wales in St. Gallen on Wednesday, underlining their growing title credentials and putting one foot firmly in the quarter-finals.
At a sun-soaked Arena St. Gallen, the atmosphere was charged with Welsh optimism — fans who’d travelled in numbers to witness their nation’s first major tournament. But it didn’t take long for France to remind everyone of the gulf in big-stage experience.
France struck early. In the 8th minute, Clara Matéo pounced on a flicked corner to volley in at the near post, giving Les Bleues a quick advantage. But the night briefly tilted towards Welsh fairytale: Jess Fishlock swept home in the 13th minute, after VAR overturned a marginal offside to award what became Wales’ first ever goal at a major finals. The eruption of noise from the red-clad stands felt like a moment of football history.
France’s responsed just before half-time, Kadidiatou Diani coolly converted from the spot after Ceri Holland clumsily fouled Grace Geyoro in the box. That restored French composure, and their superior movement and physicality took over after the break. In the 47th minute, a mix-up in the Welsh defence allowed Amel Majri to slot home, before Geyoro herself capped the scoring in the 63rd, steering in a tidy finish after a slick one-two on the edge of the area.
Wales dug in bravely and remained competitive registering 4 shots on target (England only managed 2 in the opening game), but ultimately France’s quality was too much for the Welsh.
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With two wins from two, France sit top of Group D, needing only a draw against the Netherlands to guarantee finishing first — which could set up a slightly gentler quarter-final path.
For Wales, elimination now looms after successive defeats. But Fishlock’s goal — a landmark moment for Welsh women’s football — offers genuine pride and a foundation to build on. In their first major tournament, just getting on the scoresheet against one of Europe’s giants is no small step.
Remaining Group D fixtures
Sun 13th July
20:00: Netherlands vs France – St. Jakob-Park, Basel, ITVX
20:00: England vs Wales – Arena St.Gallen, St.Gallen, BBC iPlayer, ITVX
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