The group stage is now over, so we move on to the quarterfinals. Here is your rundown of all the countries still in it and the games to play.
Norway v Italy
The first game of the quarter-final will be Norway v Italy. Norway won all three of their Group A matches, probably the easiest group, although two of their games were won on own goals. They are packed with numerous stars, but have struggled as a cohesive group in previous tournaments. England beat them 8-0 In the group stages of Euro 2022, the most significant win in Euros history.
The midfield—led by Maanum, Reiten, and Terland—adds control and output. Defensively sound with Engen and Mjelde at the back, supported by keeper Fiskerstrand.
Italy emerged second in Group B. This is their first knockout appearance since 2013, as they made it through by beating Belgium and drawing with Portugal, despite a less convincing group performance.
Key players include Frida Maanum, Ada Hegerberg, and Caroline Graham Hansen for Norway, and Sofia Cantore, Manuela Giugliano, and Arianna Caruso for Italy, who are considered major game changers. Cantore is likely to be Italy's biggest goal threat.
Norway will likely win; however, I would not say by a large margin, as they did not have the most convincing group qualification compared to other countries and scored relatively few goals.
Norway entered with star power and firepower, but Italy’s tactical grind and focus under Soncin could spring a surprise.
Sweden v England
It is a blessing that England did not top their group, as if they had beaten Sweden, their semi-final would have been between Norway and Italy, which is a considerably easier challenge than Spain would have been if they had topped their group.
Sweden came from a 4-1 victory over Sweden and won all their group matches. England scored 10 goals and conceded only one in the last two games, winning against the 2017 Euros winners, the Netherlands, 4-0, the biggest defeat in Euros history. England also won 6-1 against their neighbours, Wales, in the group. In Euro 2022, these two sides met at the semi-final stage, where England beat Sweden 4-0.
Some Swedish fans dared to say ABBA was better than the Beatles. Hence, music and the battle of the bands are on the line. Last time around, England played ABBA in their pre-match playlist, and it worked. So, Captain Leah Williamson suggests that ABBA, a favourite of the Lionesses, might not be removed from the playlist.
Sweden is on a 15-match unbeaten run. Could England end that streak for them in the first ten minutes against Germany? The Swedes were asleep at the wheel, so that is the best time for England to capitalise on this. Additionally, one area England improved on from their 2-1 defeat to France was their ability to retrieve the ball.
Tactical strengths: Sweden’s set-pieces and physicality will test England’s defence; England’s midfield of Walsh, Toone, and Stanway will seek control.
Players to watch: Stina Blackstenius, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, Madelen Janogy, Amanda Ilestedt
Playstyle: A physical 4 3 3 built on width, aerial threats, set‑piece dominance, and fast transitions.
Players to watch: Alessia Russo, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, Leah Williamson
Playstyle: Technical and versatile: midfield control via Walsh–Stanway, and clinical transitions orchestrated by Russo and Mead.
A showdown of styles—English technical fluidity vs Swedish physicality and sets. A fine tactical battle is ready to unfold.
Spain v Switzerland
The hosts versus the World Cup holders, it is likely that Spain will cause a significant upset for the home side in this game.
Spain cruised through Group B with three wins and 14 goals ( only three more than England, but England conceded fewer)
Switzerland, the host, advanced to their first knockout stage, likely due to the easier draw they had as the host, not having to play elite sides like Germany, England, and Spain.
Switzerland made it through due to a dramatic late equaliser against Finland in front of a packed home crowd. This is the battle between the favourites and the underdogs.
Form & history: Spain dominates with 14 group-stage goals; however, they have only three clean sheets in 10 games. Switzerland rides high on home support and underdog spirit.
Home advantage: Swiss fans have broken attendance records, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
The big picture: Expect Spain’s fluid attack to shine, though Swiss enthusiasm could spark surprises.
Players to watch: Alexia Putellas, Esther González, Aitana Bonmatí, Claudia Pina, Salma Parallelo
Playstyle: fluid attacking interplay; multiple goal sources, lethal midfield control.
Players to watch: Lia Wälti, Viola Calligaris, Géraldine Reuteler.
Playstyle: Youthful defensive structure under Pia Sundhage; relies on home support and late set‑piece moments.
World champions in clinical form face a passionate Swiss side fuelled by home support. Expect Spain's dominance to shine, but Swiss pride brings intensity.
France v Germany
France showed everyone that they are the team to beat and are very much big favourites to win it all, which would be their first women's title. They cruised past the Dutch, English, and Welsh in the group of death and came from behind to secure a 5-2 victory over Euro 2017 winners the Netherlands.
Germany lost their captain, Gwinn, in the first match and only beat Poland 2-1, but then lost to Sweden 4-1 after scoring the first goal.
Storylines: A revenge match for France after their Nations League win in February. Germany must tighten defensively to stand a chance.
Germany only kept one clean sheet against Poland, while the French had no clean sheets in the group stage.
Players to watch: Delphine Cascarino, Marie‑Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore.
Playstyle: Attacking flair characterised by fast wingers and potent forwards; bold tactics under coach Bonadei
Tournament path: Dominated Group D with three straight wins—including a 5–2 thrashing of the Netherlands—and top finish. Energised and confident after bold squad decisions before the tournament.
Playstyle: Heavy goal‑focus but shaky in defence; they remain tactically committed to open, attacking football.
Tournament path: Runner‑ups in Group C, faltered in a 4–1 loss to Sweden; conceded heavily. Looking to rediscover defensive solidity and regain momentum.
A heavyweight clash with attacking credentials on both sides. France’s current form gives them the edge, yet Germany’s scoring threat can’t be ignored.
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