FIFA U-17 World Cup
France earn bronze with win over Netherlands
17 Nov 2019
- France defeat the Netherlands 3-1 in Brazil 2019's third-place match
- Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga nets a hat-trick
- Les Bleuets capture second U-17 World Cup medal
Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga's hat-trick sparked a 3-1 victory for France over the Netherlands on Sunday in the third-place match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019™. Though they conceded the opening goal 15 minutes in, Les Bleuets rallied to down the Dutch on the back of their No7, who scored once in the first half and twice in the second. It is the second medal the French have earned at the U-17 world finals having been crowned world champions in 2001.
France
Reminiscent of the European championships, again France overcame the Netherlands. Back in May the Dutch became continental kings but fell to the French in the group stage. On Sunday, Kalimuendo-Muinga equalised seven minutes after the early Oranje goal, putting away Melih Altikulac's cross from the left. On 54 minutes the Paris Saint-Germain youngster was at it again, picked out by Waniss Taibi after rushing into the box on a counter attack. He completed his hat-trick with quick thinking, producing a diving header after Adil Aouchiche's initial shot attempt was saved by Calvin Raatsie.
Netherlands
The match started brightly for the Dutch thanks to captain Kenneth Taylor and No10 Mohamed Taabouni. Taylor played a perfectly-weighed pass over the top in the 15th minute to Taabouni behind the France defence. Taabouni did the rest, waiting for goalkeeper Darren Lima Semedo to slide before chipping the ball into the net. Shortly after taking the lead, the Netherlands struggled to contain France's resurgent attack. Their best chance to get back into the tie came from leading goalscorer Sontje Hansen in the 61st minute, but Semedo made a fine reaction save of the Ajax youth player's first-time shot in the box.
Brazil 2019: Netherlands-France
-
Netherlands U-17 and France U-17 make their way out for the national anthems
17 Nov 2019
BRASILIA, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 17: The two sides make their way out for the national anthems during the 3rd Place Playoff match between the Netherlands and France at the Estadio Bezerrão on November 17, 2019 in Brasilia, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
-
Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga of France U-17 celebrates after scoring
17 Nov 2019
BRASILIA, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 17: Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga of France celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the 3rd Place Playoff match between the Netherlands and France at the Estadio Bezerrão on November 17, 2019 in Brasilia, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
-
Ian Maatsen of Netherlands U-17 looks to break past Adil Aouchiche of France U-17
17 Nov 2019
BRASILIA, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 17: Ian Maatsen of Netherlands looks to break past Adil Aouchiche of France during the 3rd Place Playoff match between the Netherlands and France at the Estadio Bezerrão on November 17, 2019 in Brasilia, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
-
Kenneth Taylor of Netherlands U-17 looks to tackle Nathanael Mbuku of France U-17
17 Nov 2019
BRASILIA, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 17: Kenneth Taylor of Netherlands looks to break past Nathanael Mbuku of France during the 3rd Place Playoff match between the Netherlands and France at the Estadio Bezerrão on November 17, 2019 in Brasilia, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
-
Chrislain Matsima of France U-17 tackles Sontje Hansen of Netherlands U-17
17 Nov 2019
BRASILIA, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 17: Chrislain Matsima of France is tackled by Sontje Hansen of Netherlands during the 3rd Place Playoff match between the Netherlands and France at the Estadio Bezerrão on November 17, 2019 in Brasilia, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
-
Mohamed Taabouni of Netherlands U-17 scores his sides first goal
17 Nov 2019
BRASILIA, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 17: Mohamed Taabouni of Netherlands scores his sides first goal during the 3rd Place Playoff match between the Netherlands and France at the Estadio Bezerrão on November 17, 2019 in Brasilia, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
-
Mohamed Taabouni of Netherlands U-17 celebrates a scored goal
17 Nov 2019
BRASILIA, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 17: Mohamed Taabouni of Netherlands celebrates a scored goal during the FIFA U-17 Men's World Cup Brazil 2019 3rd Place match Netherlands and France at Bezerrao Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Brasilia, Brazil. (Photo by Bruna Prado - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
-
Netherlands v France - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 - Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga of France scores his sides third goal
17 Nov 2019
BRASILIA, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 17: Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga of France scores his sides third goal during the 3rd Place Playoff match between the Netherlands and France at the Estadio Bezerrão on November 17, 2019 in Brasilia, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
-
Calvin Raatsie of Netherlands U-17 challenges for the high ball with Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga of France U-17
17 Nov 2019
BRASILIA, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 17: Calvin Raatsie of Netherlands challenges for the high ball with Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga of France during the 3rd Place Playoff match between the Netherlands and France at the Estadio Bezerrão on November 17, 2019 in Brasilia, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images
-
Netherlands v France - FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019 - Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga of France celebrates after scoring his sides second goal
17 Nov 2019
BRASILIA, BRAZIL - NOVEMBER 17: Arnaud Kalimuendo-Muinga of France celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the 3rd Place Playoff match between the Netherlands and France at the Estadio Bezerrão on November 17, 2019 in Brasilia, Brazil. (Photo by Martin Rose - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
© Getty Images