UEFA Women’s EURO Preview: The Quarter Finals
As the quarter finals approach, the competition intensifies, with pressure mounting even further. Every team that makes it to this stage of the competition has a twelve and a half percent chance of taking home silverware. Then, this increases to twenty-five percent if you win the quarter final. Who will make the final four? Who will increase their chances of making history? And who will go home?
As a reminder, these games will go to extra time if the game finishes as a draw. If it is still a draw after extra time, penalties will take place. But only four will progress.
Match one: Norway vs Italy
The potential underdogs in this tournament, Norway they have had a surprising success in their group. Considering their recent displays in previous international competitions, where they failed to exit the group stages of the Euros in 2022 and then exited the World Cup in 2022 at the round of eighteen. Although, since being taken over by ex-Wales manager, Gemma Grainger, it seems that the spark and desire to succeed and bring silverware home to Norway has ignited something fierce in this squad.
They had a good start to the EUROs by winning all of their games. Although tactically wise, it seems they always have a better second-half performance. This means to make it out of the quarter finals, Norway need to show a positive and dominant performance for ninety minutes or more.
There are several players to keep an eye on during this clash: Caroline Graham Hansen being a huge threat for Norway. The Barcelona winger is a technical mastermind. Her control of the ball and ability to read the game and players around her are standout. If Italy can keep her quiet, Norway will struggle. Italy finished second in their group to Spain with a win, a draw and a loss.
After a twelve-year wait to finish high enough in the group to qualify for the quarter finals, they will be hungry to beat Norway and reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1977. Tactically, Cristiana Girelli will provide a threat after her performance against Portugal. If Norway manage to keep her under control, Manuela Giugliano and Sofia Cantore will need to raise their levels and play more attacking plays. Overall, Italy is very well organised from a defensive perspective, playing five at the back. While from an attacking perspective, they are forward-thinking, liking to get numbers in the box and playing a high line to do so.
Match two: Sweden vs England
A repeat of the EURO 2022 semi-final, Sweden are looking to avenge their mortifying 4-0 defeat and progress to the final four. Sweden are looking to continue their impressive EURO streak, having won all of their group stages, whilst England are looking to bring the trophy back to English soil. The history between these two teams is fierce, with the semi-final being present in everyone’s mind.
Overall, for England to beat Sweden, they will need to use midfielders, Georgia Stanway and Keira Walsh to push forward the attacking threat, whilst keeping Sweden’s captain, Kosovare Asllani quiet. Hanna Bennison and Filippa Angeldal will also be vital for Sweden. England manager, Sarina Wiegman will also need to be aware that her consistent midfield choices of Stanway and Walsh and then switching between Toone and James makes the lineup predictable. Sweden will have analysed this trio until they know them inside and out. If England want to shock Sweden, they need to consider changes in their midfield, whether this be tactically or by switching in different players.
Defensively, Johanna Rytting Kaneryd will challenge the English defence: the combination of Leah Williamson and Alex Greenwood are relied upon to keep her quiet, as she presses high up the pitch. For England, Lauren James poses a major threat on the left wing. Barcelona and Swedish forward, Fridolina Rölfo is also likely to feature against England.
These two sides are very closely matched, and the result could go either way. In fact, this fixture could face extra time if the sides are too even to be separated in ninety minutes. With a European semi-final at stake, this match will provide a feisty and determined contest between these rival footballing nations.
Match three: Spain vs Switzerland
The hosts versus the World Champions. Spain finished their group stage at the top of the group with a clean slate, while Switzerland finished second. The host nation secured a win, a draw, and a loss, which was enough to reach the last eight.
Tactically, the Spanish team are continuing to evolve under new head coach, Montse Tomé, while remaining true to their original setup. The system is built on their world-class midfield, featuring the trio of Patri Guijarro, Aitana Bonmatí, and Alexia Putellas. Each provide different qualities to the squad: from their class as holding midfielders, to energy and line-breaking runs, and to direct passes through the defence. Another threat to Switzerland is Ester González, who leads the line with intelligence and clinical finishing. This is then complemented by Salma Paralluelo, Mariona Caldentey, and Athenea Del Castillo, who all offer their threats and instil fear in defenders.
While defensively, Spain have a squad of full of world-class players, their high possession style maintains control of the ball, limiting their opponents. For Switzerland to reach the semi-finals, they will be exploiting Spain’s high defensive line, which is vulnerable to direct passes and quick transitions. Their strategy will focus on defensive stability, compact lines, and exploiting transitions. Switzerland's back three, which can switch into a back five, will be a key outlet for them. Nadine Riesen and Iman Beney will provide defensive width and energy to burst forward and support the attack, while Lia Wälti in midfield will be a key player. Her defensive work rate and ability to read the game will be crucial.
Although this Swiss team have the home crowd behind them, pulling off a world-class performance to knock the World Champions out in the quarter finals would be an event for the history books. Whilst the odds are against the hosts, they can never be ruled out on home soil.
Match four: France vs Germany
France topped the group, which was nicknamed the ‘group of death’; this included the reigning champions, England, a skilled Netherlands and a determined Wales. Winning all three matches was a strong declaration of the French ambitions. Their core identity is certainly emerging on the international stage: a combination of high intensity pressing and fast counterattacks.
Further up the pitch, they maintain a high press and show aggressive 1v1 defending. Leading this is Delphine Cascarino, who supports Marie-Antoinette Katoto. Alongside Sandy Baltimore, they are becoming a dangerous attacking combination. Head coach, Laurent Bonadei is also well known for adjusting the game plan successfully. He executed tactical changes exceptionally against the Netherlands, when he directed the midfield to support Katoto and prevented the Dutch centre backs from closing her out of the game. This resulted in a complete change of momentum. His skill to recognise and address issues during a game is extremely valuable in play-off football, as this often dictates who wins the game.
Germany’s head coach is currently in a defensive crisis due to captain, Guilia Gwinn suffering a tournament-ending injury. Carlotta Wamser being sent-off for a handball against Sweden, resulted in another key player absent from selection. Christian Wück is seeking a solution to counter the strongest attack in the competition. Kathrin Hendrich will likely shift to right-back, but that leaves a hole at centre back. Germany’s game plan is usually to rely on their attacking threats in Klara Bühl and Jule Brand, who are encouraged to be direct and take on their opponents. Although, there is a problem with this plan, as it requires a stable defence, which they lacked against Sweden. The structure was disorganised, and they were too late in defensive transition. This will be a critical issue against France, who are always looking to exploit defensive errors.
Germany will be able to book their place in the semi-finals if their attacking players are on top form and are take every opportunity well. But they also must maintain a deep defensive block and wait patientl for the right counterattacking opportunities.
Quarter Final predictions: who is making it to the semi-finals?
In my personal view, the semi-finals will shape up to be two completive and tense fixtures:
- Norway vs England
- Spain vs Germany
The Quarter Finals match schedule
Norway vs Italy: Wednesday 16th July at 8 pm (BST)
Sweden vs England: Thursday 17th July at 8 pm (BST)
Spain vs Switzerland: Friday 18th July at 8 pm (BST)
France vs Germany: Saturday 19th July at 8 pm (BST)