It was the match that set the FIFA Women’s World Cup alight last summer and introduced us to the dancing feet of Lady Andrade, but it took 66 seconds for France to erase the memory of their group stage defeat to Colombia in Moncton. Eugénie Le Sommer surged onto Amandine Henry’s pass, Sandra Sepúlveda failed to hold her cross-shot and the unfortunate Carolina Arias, under pressure from Louisa Cadamuro, stumbled into the ball for an own goal.

Colombia never recovered as the fluid French kept the ball moving around the Mineirão pitch at a high tempo leaving the South Americans to chase shadows. The ever-dangerous Le Sommer doubled France’s lead, heading home in the 14th minute after Camille Abily’s looping shot came back off the crossbar. Cadamuro and Le Sommer both tested Sepúlveda before Abily beat her at the near post with a 42nd minute free kick.

The second half was understandably a quiet affair as France eased back and maintained possession meaning Colombia were unable to threaten their three goal lead. Their frustration manifested itself when substitute Ingrid Vidal reacted to Wendie Renard’s innocuous challenge and earned herself a caution. It took until the 82nd minute for France to extend their lead, the excellent Amel Majri curling a perfect left-foot free kick in off the underside of the crossbar from the edge of the area.

France will hope to take this form into their crunch match against the USA where a draw will be enough to keep them top of the group. The clash between speedsters, Mallory Pugh and Amel Majri is one to whet the appetite. Meanwhile, with the champions still to play, Colombia must now defeat New Zealand to have a realistic chance of making the knockout stages.