With the group stage of the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro having concluded over the previous weekend, it is now a good time to reflect on what we have seen thus far in the tournament and to look ahead to the upcoming quarterfinal ties as well.
Contenders at the 2025 Women’s Euro
The best teams in this Women’s Euro have undoubtedly been France and Spain, though England were certainly not far behind.
The defending champions began the tournament in the “Group of Death” (Group D) against the above-mentioned French by losing 2-1.
It was a lacklustre performance by the Lionesses, but Sarina Wiegman’s side bounced back by beating the Dutch 4-0 in their second game.
They then demolished tournament newcomers Wales with an impressive 6-1 scoreline to comfortably clinch second place in the section.
Meanwhile, Les Bleus won their second game in the group 4-1 against Wales, before coming back from 2-1 down at halftime against the Dutch to win 4-2 and complete the sweep of the group.
2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup winners Spain had a similarly emphatic start to the tournament.
They began it by hammering their neighbours from the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal, 5-0, followed by a 6-2 win over Belgium in a game that was much closer than the score makes it look.
They ended group play by coming from behind to beat Italy 3-1.
The Surprise Package
The Italian team have been the surprise of the Women’s Euro so far.
It wasn’t so much the fact that they made the quarter-finals, though impressive, it was much more about the way they went about their game, which surprised so many people.
If coach Andrea Soncin’s side were to throw off more of their tactical shackles, they would likely get even better results.
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The Disappointments
The biggest disappointment of the group stage in this Women’s Euro has been the performance of the Dutch team.
Andries Jonker’s now former side have been a team in disarray going into the tournament.
Ever since the federation decided not to extend the coach’s contract earlier this year, it seems to have pushed some players to openly go against the “lame-duck” manager.
It is no shame to lose out on a quarter-final spot in a group with France and England; it was just how they did it that was shameful.
Denmark are the other team now out of the tournament and had far higher hopes going into it.
With the now injured captain Pernille Harder and Nadia Nadim, they had two of the stars who had catapulted them to the final of the 2017 Women’s Euro, which they narrowly lost to the Dutch.
Here too, it was not shameful not to advance past Sweden and Germany, but they not only lost to those two traditional giants of women’s football, but also to Poland, newcomers to the tournament, thus finishing last without a point. Much more was possible.
Germany are advancing to the quarter-finals, yet they too are amongst the disappointments of the tournament so far.
After narrow wins against Poland and Denmark, they totally fell apart against Sweden, ultimately losing 4-1 and therefore having a difficult path forward.
The Quarter-finals
The round of the last eight round begins on Wednesday, July 16, with Norway taking on Italy. The Scandinavians have the more famous players, but Italy could certainly cause an upset.
On Thursday, July 17, Sweden and England meet in what will be by far the most anticipated match-up for neutrals. It will be a clash of two giants with plenty of confidence.
On Friday, July 18, Spain take on the hosts Switzerland, where they should be heavy favourites, though Pia Sundhage’s young and talented squad will have nothing to lose and their country behind them.
Finally, on Saturday, July 19, Germany take on France, where Christian Wück’s team will have to show their best to even have a chance to advance.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Fotostand
Recording Date: 30.05.2025