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Butel banking on home comforts

France winger Gwenaëlle Butel believes the fans could give Les Bleuettes an important advantage in their make-or-break meeting with Norway this afternoon.

Gwenaëlle Butel is hoping for fervent French support
Gwenaëlle Butel is hoping for fervent French support ©Getty Images

Healthy crowd
The two teams may be level on three points in Group A but Norway's superior goal difference has left Stéphane Pilard's side needing to claim maximum plunder in order to join section-winners Italy in the last four. With another healthy crowd expected in Romorantin, Butel is hoping the supporters will help lift the French players, saying: "The fans have been right behind us in the first two games and that's given us a boost. I've never played in front of so many people before and it feels a bit strange - especially when we get a chance and everyone stands up and shouts. Hopefully there'll be a good atmosphere again on Sunday."

Lively performance
Butel, who is appearing in her second European WU19 Championship, was one of the team's liveliest performers against the Azzurrine, working tirelessly on the right flank and supplying several dangerous crosses. While France missed a host of chances in the 3-1 defeat, the 19-year-old is drawing encouragement from the performance. "We lacked some efficiency in front of goal but it's reassuring to know that we're capable of creating so many chances," the FC Juvisy playmaker said. "Italy were more ruthless than us and perhaps a bit less tired, but we've all recovered now and we're ready for the Norway game."

La Manga loss
The Scandinavian outfit are likely to severely test the French resolve after turning in a much-improved performance in their second game against Spain. Their recent 4-0 success over France in a friendly in La Manga will also give Jarl Torske's side confidence, although Butel is refusing to read too much into that result. "It was our first game in La Manga and we weren't at our best," she conceded. "All four of Norway's goals came from set-pieces - they didn't create much from open play. I'm sure they'll be dangerous again from set plays and, like Italy, they'll play a direct game. We'll just have to make sure we're ready for them."