Anael Deshay after New Zealand-France: “The dressing room is sad”

What is your first feeling after such a cruel defeat?
It’s always frustrating to lose. We were about to pass (Le Blue had the winning penalty one minute from time). We have to turn quickly, to think directly of Canada (in the mini final, next Saturday). It’s hard because the point is nothing. We’ve got a great game, which I think is the best we’ve done since the start. It’s frustrating when you see the result. We could have passed but that is what it is. Going to third place in New Zealand is significant.

How do you explain this defeat?
We made many mistakes, especially in the branding areas. It’s a little complicated. When we came to their camp, we didn’t necessarily score. It is difficult to analyze quickly.

The New Zealanders looked more aggressive than you at the end of the match…
The New Zealand bench has brought a lot but us too. Safi (N’Diaye) takes a card but goes in too big. Margo (Mayan) Very large entrance. Two opposite pillars play the ball, they know how to hold it. In the second half, there are very few scrotums. They brought a lot of energy. The New Zealanders trained at the right time.

Did you feel like the team was slowing down after the break?
I don’t feel like we were any less aggressive in the second half. Take this quiz quickly, it stings a little. But we managed to keep the game plan, respect what we said in the locker room. We didn’t do everything right, it’s true, but they didn’t either. This match could have gone one way or another, it’s the law of sports.

What is the atmosphere in the locker room?
Sad dressing room. It’s complicated for everyone, especially the younger ones, but also my sorry who got yellow or karo (Caroline Drouin, who missed the last penalty kick). But there is a third place to go, to which we cannot return. »