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| Esmee Brugts of the Netherlands, Eve Perisset of France during the Quarter Final - UEFA Women's EURO 2022 match between France and Netherlands at New York Stadium on July 23, 2022 in Rotherham, United Kingdom. |
France boss Corinne Diacre says her side "are here to build history" after overcoming defending champions the Netherlands in extra time to reach the semi-final of the Euros for the first time.
Eve Perisset finally broke the deadlock for Les Bleus from the spot in the 102nd minute to set up a last-four meeting with Germany in Milton Keynes on Wednesday.
That came after Kadidiatou Diani was fouled by Dominique Janssen inside the box, a decision given after the referee consulted the pitchside monitor.
The Dutch had somehow repelled wave after wave of French attack as goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar produced one of the tournament's standout solo displays, though she could not get a strong enough hand on Perisset's spot-kick.
Star forward Vivianne Miedema missed a rare chance of her own for the Netherlands but it was always France who looked more threatening and Grace Geyoro headed a glorious opportunity wide in the final moments of normal time.
"We have been rewarded for our effort," said Diacre. "We are here to build history - the players and staff want to make history for ourselves and there is still a bit of a way to go.
"This group is doing well, we have a semi-final to prepare for now, calmly, we will savour this moment and getting through and we are taking it step by step as always.
"We have reached a new level but that is not the end for us, we really want to reach the final. This squad wants to achieve something together, and that is our strength."