France preparing for another shot at the Matildas at next year’s Paris Olympics

France will relish a chance to avenge its FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final loss to the Matildas at next year’s Olympic Games.

France coach Herve Renard will have “revenge” on his mind at next year’s Paris Olympics after his side’s heartbreaking FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-final exit in a penalty shootout against Australia.

For the second World Cup in succession, Les Bleues’ have fallen a game short of reaching the last four after a quarter-final loss to eventual champions USA in 2019 when France hosted the tournament.

Hosting pressure will again be on the French at next year’s Olympic Games, but Renard is set to embrace that expectation as he contemplates another potential encounter against the Matildas. 

“Now we have to look forward,” Renard said after his side’s 7-6 penalty shootout loss at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night. 

“We are organising next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, so we are waiting for you.

“We’ll have our revenge.”

Renard said it was a “shame” France’s World Cup run had come to an end, but said “destiny” chose Australia in a “50-50” match.

“This competition was fantastic for us. Beautiful cities, beautiful stadiums, the atmosphere was fantastic … (but) all the best to (the Matildas). I’m sure you can win this World Cup.

“(Australia) is a physical team, waiting most of the time for its opponent. They like the transition, the counter-attack because they are very fast.”

France coach Herve Renard (left) congratulates his Matildas counterpart Tony Gustavsson. Picture: WILLIAM WEST / AFP

The Matildas will meet England on Wednesday night in Sydney for a place in next Sunday’s final.

In the other semi-final, which will be played on Tuesday night in Auckland, Spain will meet Sweden.

Matildas coach Tony Gustavsson predicted his side would again rise to the occasion against an England team the Australians beat 2-0 in London in April.

“We’ve shown that we thrive under pressure over and over and over again in this tournament,” Gustavsson said.

“I have some unhealthy addiction to do-or-die games and these types of moments. I love it. It makes you feel alive.

“I said to my staff that this is what life is about, creating memories with the ones that you love the most.

“To be able to do that with this team has been amazing. I can’t wait to get more moments like this with this group of amazing people.

“When you want to achieve something great, to then see how all the hard work that not just these players, but all the brave women that walked this path way before my time … how it comes together, I’m extremely proud.

“I know how much it means for so many.” 

Originally published as France preparing for another shot at the Matildas at next year’s Paris Olympics