Matsima reaches U21 EURO quarter-finals with France
Runners-up spot secured
First Team
18.06.2025, 09:07
A 4-1 win over already eliminated Poland might not have been enough for Chrislain Matsima and the France U21s to top their group, but Les Blues did defend second place to reach the quarter-finals of the European U21 Championship.
France made a handful of changes for their third and final group game, including dropping Matsima to the bench, with the FCA defender having played the full 90 minutes in their two opening matches.
They took a 3-0 lead into the break thanks to Nathan Zezé’s brace and a wonderful long-range goal from Djaoui Cisse. Poland improved after the break and reduced the deficit to 3-1, but French substitute Matthis Abline wrapped up a 4-1 victory for the Équipe Tricolore late on.
Portugal’s win over Georgia in the group’s other game earned them top spot, meaning Matsima’s France will now face Group D winners Denmark in the quarter-finals on Sunday, 22nd June (21:00 CEST).
