France's women's football team secured a victory against the Netherlands, finishing at the top of Group D with 11 goals across three matches. Despite a spirited effort from the Netherlands, featuring attacking hopes, France's defense and strategies proved too strong. With only needing a draw, France managed the pace of the game, ultimately winning with a goal by Sandie Toletti. The match took place amidst changing weather conditions, reflecting a dramatic atmosphere at St Jakob-Park, setting the stage for France's upcoming challenge against Germany.
Andries Jonker had maintained that on some days miracles happen but this was most definitely not one of them. Admittedly, there was a spell when Jonker's Netherlands teased everyone by threatening France with the prospect of an unlikely elimination but ultimately Delphine Cascarino, Marie-Antoinette Katoto and the rest of Laurent Bonadei's attacking armoury were far too powerful to be eclipsed.
As France topped Group D having scored 11 goals in the course of three wins, they now prepare to face Germany here on Saturday, as the 2017 European Champions bid farewell.
Daphne van Domselaar duly had to save from Delphine Cascarino with her legs before tipping Sakina Karchaoui's follow-up shot round a post as the rain started falling again.
Given that Laurent Bonadei's side required only a draw, at most, to progress there was a sense France were playing within themselves as they attempted to draw the Dutch sting.
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