Three days after its cruel defeat against Canada (2-1) on the second day of the group stage, the French team has a date with New Zealand on Wednesday on the pitch of the Groupama Stadium. A crucial match for the Bleues, still leaders of Group A.
With only three points on the clock, France is nevertheless a fragile leader, on the same line as Colombia and with a three-point lead over New Zealand and Canada. But the situation could change even before the last two matches scheduled for the evening: France-New Zealand therefore but also Canada-Colombia.
Les Bleues must win against New Zealand
Another match will nevertheless be played this afternoon, this time on the judicial field. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is due to rule this Wednesday on Canada’s appeal, sanctioned with six points in the case of spying by drone on a member of its staff, who had flown over New Zealand’s training.
Having won their first two matches on the pitch, against New Zealand and then France, the Canadians could therefore regain the lead with six points even before their last match on Wednesday (9 p.m.) against Colombia.
The qualification of the Blues is not in doubt at this stage. They will nevertheless have to beat New Zealand, supposed to be the weakest opponent in the group, to reach the quarter-finals. The two best from each of the three groups qualify as well as the two best third-placed teams.
