Each international break is the occasion for several talents who have passed through the South Ladies Cup to experience their baptism of fire in the national team. The last few days have been no exception to the rule. Here is a summary.
Julie Thibaud (France)
This time, it's the right one! The defender, who had already been called up to the French national team but never appeared on the pitch, has finally made her first international appearance for the senior team. The Girondins de Bordeaux player took part in the three games played by Les Bleues during the Tournoi de France, which they also won. She started against Denmark in the first match of the mini-tournament (1-0) and then played in the next two ones against Uruguay (5-1) and Norway (0-0). A fair reward for the player who played in the Sud Ladies Cup in 2018 and who has had a full season (14 games, 1 goal).
Maëlle Lakrar (France)
Like Julie Thibaud, the defender also took her first steps with the senior team. The Montpellier player was benched in the first match against Denmark, but then started the two following games against Uruguay and Norway. After having participated in the Sud Ladies Cup twice in 2018 and 2019, Lakrar is finally making an appearance with Les Bleues and it is deserved, as her 2022-23 season has been so successful (15 starts in 15 D1 Arkema games).
Karol Bernal (Mexico)
Less than a year after taking part in the Sud Ladies Cup with Mexico's U20 team in June 2022, the defender is making her international debut with the senior team! The Rayadas de Monterrey player was called up for a series of three friendly games and came on as a substitute in Mexico's 1-0 win over Nigeria.
Janina Minge (Germany)
Almost five years after taking part in the first ever edition of the Sud Ladies Cup in 2018, the midfielder played her first minutes in the German senior national team shirt. The Freiburg player, who has had an excellent season (12 games, 9 goals), started against Sweden in a friendly (0-0).