France vs. Germany: A Historic Rivalry
The long-standing rivalry between France and Germany in women’s football is set to unfold yet again as they clash in the Euro 2025 quarterfinals in Basel this Saturday. Historically, Germany has dominated this matchup, particularly in recent years; however, a turning point occurred in February 2024 when France finally triumphed over their rivals with a 2-1 victory during the UEFA Nations League semifinals in Lyon. Until that game, France had failed to secure a win against Germany in the previous five major tournament encounters.
Germany’s Dominance
Germany’s supremacy in the women’s game has been well established, having claimed six consecutive European Championship titles from 1995 to 2013, in addition to winning two World Cups in 2003 and 2007. Their club teams have also secured notable wins, capturing nine out of the first 14 UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) titles since the tournament’s inception in 2001, with clubs like Turbine Potsdam, FFC Frankfurt, and VfL Wolfsburg among the victors.
France’s Rising Fortunes
Despite this historical dominance, France’s fortunes have begun to shift in recent years, particularly amplified by the rise of Olympique Lyonnais (OL), who won eight of the 12 UWCL tournaments from 2010 to 2022. However, on the international stage, France has struggled to break through, consistently falling short in the quarterfinals since 1997, aside from a memorable run to the semifinals in the 2011 World Cup. Their most recent encounter in Euro 2022 was another disappointment, with Germany eliminating France from the tournament with a late goal from Alexandra Popp, leading to a 2-1 finish.
A New Era for France
As the 2025 tournament progresses, the landscape may be shifting. France now finds themselves under new leadership with head coach Laurent Bonadei, who took charge only a few months ago. This fresh beginning has ushered in a younger squad, moving past veterans like Wendie Renard and all-time leading scorer Eugénie Le Sommer. The team is now energized with players in their prime, such as Sandy Baltimore, Marie-Antoinette Katoto, Delphine Cascarino, and Grace Geyoro, who are contributing to a new wave of optimism following their strong performances in the group stage, including impressive victories over England and the Netherlands.
Germany’s Vulnerability
Conversely, Germany has shown signs of vulnerability, particularly after suffering a heavy defeat to Sweden. Despite their storied history of success, transitioning to a new era may diminish their previous psychological advantage over France. Bonadei’s approach has been focused on instilling confidence in his players; his captain, Griedge Mbock Bathy, affirmed their readiness, emphasizing their ambition and lack of fear of the German team, citing their recent victory as pivotal.
Team Dynamics and Preparation
While training, the French players have been enjoying lighter moments off the field, engaging in card games and darts, showcasing camaraderie and combativeness in their downtime. Coach Bonadei is also eager to test his team’s readiness against such a significant opponent, viewing this match as a critical prelude to an upcoming Nations League double-header against heavily favored squads like Sweden or Spain.
Looking Ahead
As the two teams prepare for this highly-anticipated match, the dynamics have shifted somewhat, and France hopes to shake off their quarterfinal jinx, progressing past Germany to reach the semifinals. Given their historical rivalry, a victory against the Germans would not only symbolize a triumph over a longstanding nemesis but would also serve as a landmark moment for the French squad.
