Emma and Léa Motyka are turning their close understanding into an asset for France at the U17 Women's World Cup in Morocco. The OL Lyonnes twins discussed their partnership with FIFA after starting together in France's opening match.
Emma plays at full-back and wears the captain's armband. Léa operates ahead of her on the right wing, giving France a flank built around two players familiar with each other's movements and decisions.
Shared experience supports different roles
Léa converted a penalty for France's second goal in the 2-0 win over Venezuela on October 18 and was named player of the match. Emma described her pride in seeing her sister score during their shared World Cup debut.
Léa said years of growing up, living and playing together help them anticipate one another's options. Teammate Maelys Ane, who also scored against Venezuela, sees that connection both at Lyon and with the national team.
Ane regards the twins as family and believes their closeness away from football carries into their combinations on the field.
Coach puts individual talent first
France coach Franck Plenecassagne stressed that both players earned selection through their own ability. Having followed their progress for several years, he also considers their partnership a useful additional strength.
He noted that many of France's best first-half moves in the opener developed down their side. The understanding therefore has a practical role within the team's play.
The victory brought confidence after a demanding first game. France next face Japan on Wednesday, with Léa hoping to build on her opening goal and both sisters seeking to keep contributing to the wider team.