France reached their first European Championship semi-final by knocking out holders Netherlands with a 1-0 win after extra-time in Rotherham on Saturday, as an Eve Perisset penalty clinched a deserved win.
Les Bleues dominated proceedings at the New York Stadium, but wasteful finishing and an inspired performance from Dutch stand-in goalkeeper meant the game was still goalless after 90 minutes.
France will face Germany in the semi-finals in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 27 July.
Les Bleues came flying out of the blocks and dominated the first half, but they couldn’t find a way past the impressive Van Domselaar.
Delphine Cascarino was inches away from scoring a screamer when her volley from the edge of the box thumped the foot of the post, and the imperious Stefanie van der Gragt rescued the Dutch with a goal-line clearance before the break.
The French onslaught calmed slightly in the second half, but they still created the best chances as Wendie Renard’s header forced a flying save from Van Domselaar and Grace Geyoro missed a sitter when she headed wide with the goal gaping at the death.
Renard’s aerial threat was utilised again deep in stoppage time, when her header from a corner flew towards the top corner before Van Domselaar’s outstretched left hand palmed it wide.
The dam eventually broke in extra-time when spot kick was given after a lengthy VAR check, which Perisset buried into the bottom corner.
