by The UEFA Women’s EURO heads into the quarter-finals tomorrow as eight will become four over the next few days. The group stage has tossed up triumphant debuts, bittersweet farewells and a few more broken records, with plenty to look forward to as the remaining nations seek their own piece of history in the quarter-finals.
Bittersweet Farewells & Triumphant Debuts
The UEFA Women’s EURO is heading into the business end as the group stages give way to the quarter-finals. Before taking a look at those hunting down silverware, it’s worth considering those heading home and what each departure means.
Group A leaves behind Finland who miss out on qualification to hosts Switzerland on goal difference, despite the two ultimately ending with the same amount of points. However, Iceland will be most gutted to walk away empty handed on points. This despite strong showings up front including a frantic end against Norway which they clawed back from 4 – 1 to 4 – 3.
Group B contained an exciting end as Italy and Portugal both stood a chance of qualifying on the final matchday but a disastrous start for Portugal against Belgium sealed their bow out at the bottom of the group. Belgium on their part will have wanted more but will settle for third place and will certainly have walked away happier than the Portuguese who didn’t quite manage to hit the highs of the World Cup performances.
Poland registered a maiden triumph on their debut in the final matchday to sink Denmark, ending a solid beginning to their EURO final’s journey. On the other hand, Denmark will feel they missed a mark walking away without any points from the tournament. A tough group with Germany and Sweden always favourites for the knockouts, but Denmark will have hoped to put on a tougher challenge.
Finally, Wales were handed the group of death for their debut and went through the motions with each from the Netherlands, to France and finally England showing their dominance. However, the Welsh walk away with experience and will have the comfort of goals scored against France and England to push forward for more.
The biggest disappointment will certainly be for the Netherlands who appeared on course to the knockouts but let slip a lead against France to ultimately sink in a 5 – 2 defeat on the final group matchday.
Perhaps the highlight of their tournament will remain Vivianne Miedema’s 100th goal for the country, which was a memorable one fitting for one of the best forwards in the game. Much was made on her non-appearance from the bench, with Andries Jonker opting for the pace of Lineth Beerensteyn against France. However, Jonker justified his decisions and ultimately conceded that the French deserved the place in the quarter-finals.
There will be plenty of work for Arjan Veurink who will take over the side from Andries Jonker following the tournament, once he finishes his commitments as Sarina Wiegman’s assitant coach with England.
The group stage ends with the highest attendance record in any edition at this stage, with a total of 461,582 attendees. Sarina Wiegman also walks into the knockouts as the coach with most wins in the history of the UEFA Women’s EURO, with 14 wins.
The Final Eight
Norway v Italy
The quarter-finals will begin tomorrow (Wednesday 16th) with the battle between Norway and Italy taking centre stage. Both teams will be elated to make it into the knockout stages, having last made it in 2013.
Norway will be hoping to get the better of the Italians and replicate, if not succeeding further, than 2013, where they finished runners-up. The Norwegian team also has history on its side with four shut-outs against the Italians in previous editions. However, the last meet was in 2005 and Andrea Soncin’s team appears to be motivated for better results and hungry for success.
Sweden v England
The two are well-versed in each other’s strengths and weaknesses, having plenty of familiarity among players at club level, while also having met each other at final stages of the biggest tournaments in recent years. Alessia Russo’s back-heel against Sweden remains one of the most memorable moments of the EURO 2022 edition, but that semi-final ended in a 4 – 0 victory for the Lionesses, which the Swedish will be looking to respond for. The Swedish team eliminated England in the 2019 World Cup to deny the English the bronze medal.
In other words, they’ve danced this dance before and both have come out on top. England’s initial blip against France appears to have been mended by commanding victories against the Netherlands and Wales, but Sweden showed their own strength, most notably against Germany. England have something to defend as the holders and rotations appear to be working for Sarina Wiegman. However, there’s still nerves at the back to be exploited and there’s enough familiarity between the two to know each other’s weak points. Certainly not one to be missed, it will be played on Thursday.
Spain v Switzerland
The hosts were on their knees as they managed to scrape past into the knockout stages for the first time in their history. However, they have been dealt probably the toughest draw against the World Champions, Spain, whom they will meet on Friday.
On their part, La Roja, have looked every bit the world champion and they will be a tough force to keep out. Alexia Putellas appears to have found the groove at international level for the first time since her ACL injury. However, the depth of the Spanish team is what continues to trouble most, with Aitana Bonmati, Vicky Lopez, Patri Guijarro and Mariona Caldentey all pulling strings. Up top the rotations will also continue to overwhelm with different options available for Montse Tome.
However, the chinks in the Spanish defence have been exploited by several, so it will be up to Switzerland to find their way through and possibly spring the biggest surprise of the tournament. There is certainly plenty of quality and Pia Sundhage is no stranger to bringing down powerhouses.
France v Germany
The last quarter-final will be on Saturday between France and Germany. Lauren Bonadei’s youthful selection has been one of the brightest parts of the tournament and this is a team full of confidence with eleven wins in 2025. Once again there is plenty of depth in the squad, a lot of pace and incision in attack. The defence has conceded but Germany will first have to avoid being overrun. France appear every bit the team on the hunt for a major title.
On their part Christian Wuck’s team will need to shore up the defence without Carlotta Wamser who will be suspended following a straight red against Sweden. They also must find the way without the services of injured duo Giulia Gwinn and Lena Oberdorf. However, the Germans have the pedigree and the history to come up with the goods on the night should they piece it together.
Having made it this far, things will only get tougher as each grapples for their own place in the semi-finals.
Lead Images: UEFA Women’s EURO
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