AUCKLAND, New Zealand (AP) — Four years after France fell flat in the Women's World Cup as the host country, Les Bleus return to the global stage with a new coach determined to dethrone the United States. France hoped to contend for the 2019 tournament title but was eliminated by the Americans in the quarterfinals in Paris. The plan for a better result this year was nearly derailed in February when captain Wendie Renard quit the team “to protect my mental health” and two other players followed her exit.
France seeks better Women's World Cup result after falling short in Paris four years ago