Under the lights in Laval, Océane Hurtré made her first senior France appearance look like a familiar routine. The Birmingham midfielder supplied an assist and scored in a 9-0 demolition of Latvia on Saturday, putting herself firmly into the World Cup conversation.
Quick facts
- France beat Latvia 9-0 in Laval, their eighth-biggest victory in history.
- Océane Hurtré, 22, registered an assist and a goal on her senior debut.
- The former Paris Saint-Germain player set up Kadidiatou Diani in the seventh minute.
- Hurtré scored her first France goal in first-half stoppage time from a Diani cross.
- She arrived after being named England’s player of the month, with four goals and one assist for Birmingham.
The result itself is unlikely to be remembered for much beyond its scale, but for Hurtré it was a night to keep. France’s left-sided debutant showed no visible nerves during her 45 minutes, combining direct running with accurate delivery before finishing Diani’s cross at 45+1.
“We knew we had 45 minutes and had to give everything,” Hurtré said. “I am a calm person and I do not overthink things. I hope that came across. I try to bring something extra to the team.”
Her performance followed a productive spell with Birmingham. Before the international break, Hurtré scored twice in a 3-3 draw against Crystal Palace, and her recent return of four goals and an assist brought her the monthly award in England.
“It is the first time I have put together this many goals,” she said. “I am enjoying it and taking the positives. These are unforgettable moments.”
Left-side link catches the eye
France coach Laurent Bonadei was particularly encouraged by the balance on the left, where Hurtré worked alongside Selma Bacha and Sakina Karchaoui. The three had prepared the combination during the week at Clairefontaine.
Bonadei said he liked having left-footed players on that flank and felt Hurtré had quickly understood the movements around her. Karchaoui and Bacha, he said, used their experience to help place the newcomer in favourable situations.
Hurtré had previously played with Karchaoui at PSG, making their renewed connection less surprising. Her partnership with Bacha was new, but the Birmingham player said she was pleased by how smoothly it functioned.
The coach also pointed to Hurtré’s first involvement as a decisive moment. She took the ball without hesitation, drove forward, delivered good crosses, scored, and appeared to enjoy the occasion after being told to play for France as she does for her club.
With the World Cup in Brazil scheduled from June 25 to July 24, the contest for places is beginning to take shape. Bonadei believes Hurtré has the quality to add genuine competition on the left side.
