France beat Thailand in Women's World Cup warmup

Updated: May 17, 2023, 12:22 pm

A late rally from France in the second half helped the Women's World Cup hosts to overcome a stiff challenge from Thailand to win 3-0 in a warm-up match in Orleans on Saturday.

France, ranked fourth in the world and 30 places above their Asian opponents, were held to a scoreless first half with many Lyon players, who won the Champions League last weekend, named on the bench.

Midfielder Elise Bussaglia opened the scoring on the hour mark from a short corner routine that Thailand failed to clear.

France celebrate after Elise Bussaglia opened the scoring.
FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

Substitute Kadidiatou Diani then scored twice in eight minutes to seal the win, capitalising on a mix-up to score her first goal before pouncing on a rebound from Chor Charoenying's penalty save off Eve Perisset to grab her second in the 86th minute.

France play one more warmup game, against China on Friday, before kicking off their World Cup campaign on June 7 against South Korea. Thailand, who have qualified for their second World Cup, play defending champions United States on June 11.