Three for Pichon in French win

France moved to the top of UEFA European Women's Championship qualifying Group 3 with Saturday's 6-0 victory against Hungary at the Stage Auguste-Delaune, Reims.

Pichon treble
Marinette Pichon scored a hat-trick for the French after Stéphanie Mugneret-Béghé (20) and Sonia Bompastor (30) had eased Elisabeth Loisel's side into a 2-0 lead. Laëtitia Tonazzi was introduced in the 83rd minute and five minutes later completed the scoring as the French made it four wins from as many games in the section.

'Confidence increased'
"It was essential to take a maximum points before travelling to Russia and Iceland," said France coach Loisel. "The victory has increased the confidence among the players - they realise how high the stakes are in the next two games."

Lurking dangerously
Iceland are second on ten points but have played two more games than Russia, who are lurking dangerously in third. Should the Russians beat Poland, pointless at the foot of Group 3, in their next game they could overtake France at the summit by defeating them when they meet on 16 May, France's next game.