France qualify for final of Algarve Cup

France have qualified for the final of the Algarve Cup after beating Japan by three goals to one this afternoon. Les Bleues finish top of their group with three wins from three and await results from the other games to see who their opponents will be.

After dominating most of the opening half in Bela Vista Stadium in Parchal, the French went into the dressing room at half time trailing by a single goal by Kawasumi in the dying seconds of the first half.

France could have been in the lead going into the break with chances by both Renard and Le Sommer saved by Japan's goalkeeper Kalihori.

France found themselves level on the 53rd minute through a Thiney penalty after a foul by Kinga on Boulleau. France's dominance became evident in the second half with a brace by Le Sommer. 

Highlights and Goals from France 3-1 Japan 

France starting team: Bouhaddi, Houara D’H, Butel, Renard (c), Boulleau, Dali, Henry, Bussaglia, Lavogez, Thiney, Le Sommer 

Japan starting team: Kaihori, Kinga, Kawamura, Kumagai, Ariyoshi, Miyama (c), Kawasumi, Utsugi, Ohno, Ogimi, Sugasawa