France are keeping their feet firmly on the ground and don’t see themselves as favourites in Saturday’s quarter-final against Germany at women’s Euro 2025.
France have impressed by winning all their three group matches against title holders England, Wales and 2017 champions the Netherlands.
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Germany have failed to really shine at the Euros and crashed 4-1 against Sweden in their final group game.
France beat Germany in last year’s Nations League semi-finals but have never won a match between the two at a World Cup or Euros, the last a 2-1 semi-final defeat in the Euro 2022 semis.
They are also wary of the vast German success at big events with two World Cup crowns, one Olympic gold and a record eight Euro titles.
“They are a great team, a great nation. We know that, they have won several international competitions,” said Delphine Cascarino, who scored a brace in Sunday’s 5-2 over the Dutch.
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Attacking partner Marie-Antoinette Katoto, who had a goal and two assists, named Germany favourites, but the French also say they are ready for the challenge in their bid for a first major women’s title.
“France v Germany is a classic, it will be a great game. We know that it won’t be an easy game,” said Sandie Toletti, who opened the scoring on her 30th birthday Sunday.
Coach Lauent Bonadei said that despite all big respect for Germany his team will be ready.
“It is a big challenge, but we are ambitious and will do everything as the challenger to beat them,” Bonedei said.