Delphine Cascarino starred as France scored three goals in six second-half minutes to stun Netherlands and finish top of Group D at Euro 2025.
The Dutch needed to win the game by at least three goals or rely on Wales upsetting England if they were to reach the quarter-finals.
With Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses coasting to victory, the 2017 champions were still in with a chance as they led 2-1 at half-time.
Victoria Pelova cancelled out Sandie Toletti’s 22nd-minute opener for the French, before Netherlands took the lead through a calamitous own goal from Selma Bacha.
But their dreams were crushed by a fabulous France display after the restart that set up a meeting with Germany.
Cascarino was inspirational, providing a sublime through-ball to set up Marie-Antoinette Katoto for the leveller in the 61st minute, before netting twice in three minutes with a thunderous curling finish and a low drive after Katoto had struck both posts.
Sakina Karchaoui rubbed more salt in Netherlands’ wounds when she converted from the penalty spot in added time after Kerstin Casparij brought down Melween N’Dongala.
The superb comeback completed France’s perfect start to the tournament as they finished the group stage with three successive wins and retain hope of a first Euros title.
For the Netherlands, it marked a disappointing end to Andries Jonker’s tenure as manager after the Dutch FA announced earlier this year they would not renew his contract.
England’s assistant manager Arjan Veurink will replace Jonker when the Euros end.
What was the main talking point?
It was always going to be a tough task for the Netherlands to qualify to the quarter-finals, and ultimately they fell short as France bounced back with a classy second-half performance.
Laurent Bonadei’s side had already underlined their title credentials with impressive straightforward wins against defending champions England and Wales, but they proved they can move up the gears when needed after falling behind.
A scintillating six minutes proved decisive as their attack finally clicked to destroy the Dutch.
Even without stalwarts Wendie Renard, Eugenie Le Sommer and Kenza Dali – controversially left out by Bonadei – France showed they have enough quality to lift the trophy.
Not only have they topped a group that was widely considered the toughest of the tournament, but they’ve done it with a 100% record and the potential to reach an even higher level with eight-time champions Germany up next.
Which players stood out?
Cascarino scored two goals and assisted another in the space of six minutes
As France were chasing the game early in the second half, Cascarino was left red-faced when she skewed a simple close-range effort over an empty goal.
But the blunder marked a turning point for the San Diego Wave player, who cut the Netherlands open with a drilled pass for Katoto to make it 2-2.
Cascarino’s first goal stole the show as she darted past the Dutch defence before picking out the top-left corner of the net with a stunning, powerful curling strike.
And she was then in the right place at the right time to lash in her second goal in the 67th minute as France turned the game around in style.
