France have reached the semi-finals of the Women’s European Championship for the very first time after a deserved extra-time victory over holders the Netherlands.
Les Bleues dominated Saturday’s fourth and final quarter-final contest in Rotherham and created hatfuls of great chances, but found Dutch goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar and former Ajax centre-back Stefanie van der Gragt in inspired form.
With a thorougly one-sided Euro 2022 contest still level after 90 minutes at the New York Stadium, France required a penalty from new Chelsea full-back Eve Perisset to break such stubborn resistance and finally end their quarter-final hoodoo in this competition.
Now standing between Corinne Diacre’s side and a place in next Sunday’s Wembley final is Germany in Milton Keynes on Wednesday, with the latter having seen off neighbours Austria 2-0 in their own last-eight clash.
The other semi-final will be contested between hosts England and Sweden on Tuesday night.
