Late goals take France to summit
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Article summary
Slovenia 0-2 France Elise Bussaglia and substitute Elodie Thomis struck in the final 20 minutes to take France three points clear of Iceland in Group 3.
Article body
Two goals in the last 20 minutes in Slovenia took France to the top of UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ qualifying Group 3.
Three points clear
Slovenia surprised previously unbeaten Iceland 2-1 here in August, so France were taking nothing for granted despite their 8-0 success in Serbia at the weekend. And it seemed as if they would draw a blank until Elise Bussaglia opened the scoring and substitute Elodie Thomis confirmed the win with six minutes left to move France three points clear of Iceland.
Breakthrough
France were the dominant team from the start, but Slovenia held firm for the first half. Coach Bruno Bini brought on Thomis and Elodie Ramos, and a goal finally arrived when Bussaglia shot in from 25 metres. Thomis doubled the lead from a tight angle and France climbed above Iceland, who have a game in hand. Still, if France win their remaining fixtures – in Greece on 26 April, at home to Serbia two weeks later, and against Iceland on 27 September – they will top the group and qualify automatically for the Finland finals.
