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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
Sport
Paul Myers

Sommer time: record-breaking France striker targets more goals

Eugénie Le Sommer made a record 199th appearance for France during the 3-2 Nations League victory over Iceland in Le Mans, western France. AFP - FRANCK FIFE

Just hours after playing in her 199th game to become France’s most capped international footballer, Eugénie Le Sommer set her sights on extending her record goal tally for the national team.

The Lyon forward has struck 94 times since making her France debut on 12 February 2009 against the Republic of Ireland.

And though she failed to add to that haul in the 3-2 victory over Iceland on Tuesday night in Le Mans, the 35-year-old admitted a century of goals was in her sights.

"Of course it's an aim to score 100 goals," she said after the win that kept France at the top off their Nations League pool.

"People are talking about it just like they've been talking about beating the record number of caps.

"It's true that I'm not far from scoring 100 goals but I'm still far away. The most important thing is to keep playing well for my club and then to get selected for the squad and get to play. After that if the record comes, it comes."

Le Sommer came on as a substitute for Marie-Antoinette Katoto in the 78th minute as France boss Laurent Bonadei shuffled his options in attack.

Record

Six points from two games is an ideal start,” added Bonadei. "We've got four games left, three of them away from home, so we'll have to prepare well.

“All the matches are going to be tough. It wasn't easy against Iceland. We got a two goal lead and then we were caught out but the girls showed confidence and a very good spirit and that's what's important.”

France take on Switzerland on 4 April as they continue their quest to finish top of the pool in order to progress to the semi-finals.

"It's a magnificent achievement for Eugénie," said Bonadei who took over from Herve Renard just after the Olympic Games in Paris.

"I didn't bring her on to the field because she had to have 199 caps but because she deserves it," he added.

"She's a leader, a charismatic player."

Le Sommer's appearance at the Stade Marie-Marvingt took her past Sandrine Soubeyrand's feat of 198 matches for France between 1997 and 2013.

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