International round-up: Dali and France rout North Macedonia

Kenza Dali France

 

Kenza Dali and her France teammates put eleven goals past North Macedonia to go top of Group G in their UEFA Women’s Euro 2021 qualifying pool. 

In a match that saw France register 46 shots and 79 per cent possession, the home side were 5-0 up at half-time thanks to Eugenie Le Sommer’s brace, and goals from Valerie Gauvin, Elisa de Almeida and Kadidiatou Diani.

West Ham midfielder Dali was introduced on 68 minutes, with her side eight goals ahead, after Grace Geyoro scored twice and Viviane Asseyi netted, before Le Sommer grabbed another two and Delphine Cascarino secured the heavy win. 

The emphatic victory puts France top of Group G on goal difference, having won all five of their qualifiers so far. 

Elsewhere, Martha Thomas came off the bench to help Scotland to a 3-0 home victory against Albania. 

The Irons No9 was named among the subs for the Scots, who took the lead prior to half-time thanks to Rachel Corsie. 

 

Courtney Brosanan

 

Thomas would enter the fray on the hour mark, replacing former West Ham striker Jane Ross, before two finishes by Caroline Weir sealed the win. Scotland sit second in Group E with wins from all three of their qualifiers so far. 

Courtney Brosnan earned her second Republic of Ireland cap, starting between the sticks for her nation in a 1-0 defeat against Ukraine. A qualifier that could have secured second place in Group I for the Irish, but Aine O’Gorman’s 25th-minute own-goal gave all three points to the home side. 

The Republic of Ireland will now need to beat Germany in their final qualifier in December to guarantee a place in the play-offs. Forward Leanne Kiernan was an unused substitute for the side. 

Finally, Katerina Svitkova came off the bench for the Czech Republic in a 4-0 away defeat at the hands of Spain. The loss leaves the Czechs in third in Group D, with two qualifying matches left to play.

BCN