UEFA Euro 2025: Spain On Track? Watch Out For France! What Stood Out and What’s Next
Surprise results, record attendance, and crucial matches are on the horizon as the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro has already produced several memorable moments. With the group stage now concluded, all eyes will be on the quarterfinal matches starting Thursday and continuing through the weekend. But before we look ahead, let’s highlight the key takeaways from the group stage.
Can Anyone Stop Spain From Winning?
The most significant news leading up to the Euros was that Spain’s star player and reigning Ballon d’Or winner, Aitana Bonmatí, was hospitalized with meningitis just days before the tournament kicked off. Fortunately, she made a swift recovery and participated as a substitute in La Roja’s first two games before starting and playing a full 90 minutes in their third group match against Italy.
Aitana Bonmatí has only played one complete match, yet Spain still appears poised to reach the final. (Photo by Andrea Amato/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Whether Bonmatí required additional recovery time or not, it’s evident that Spain is a formidable force and remains a top contender for the title 8mbets com en ph. Alexia Putellas has been instrumental, scoring three goals so far, while Esther Gonzalez, the leading scorer in the NWSL, tops the Euro scoring chart with four goals. Collectively, the team has demonstrated exceptional possession and combination play. Once Bonmatí regains her full fitness and begins scoring, La Roja will become even more formidable.
A rematch of the 2023 World Cup final against England seems likely, provided Spain can overcome Switzerland in the quarterfinals and then either France or Germany in the semifinals before thinking about this potential high-stakes clash.
New-look France Emerges From ‘Groupe de la Mort’
France topped a challenging Group D after an impressive 5-2 victory over the Netherlands last Sunday. Les Bleues won all three of their games – against England, Wales, and the Netherlands – and will now face Germany in the quarterfinals on Saturday.
There were doubts regarding this squad before the tournament began when manager Laurent Bonadei surprised everyone by excluding captain Wendie Renard, Eugenie Le Sommer, and Kenza Dali from the team. The trio collectively boasts 444 caps and is synonymous with France’s national team. Yet, France emerged as group winners against tough competitors like England and the Netherlands. (Photo by Noemi Llamas/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images)
However, this squad has never claimed a major international trophy, and Bonadei aimed to implement a fresh strategy. While the exclusion of these veterans may still sting, France is presenting itself as a formidable team capable of challenging for silverware, especially since Germany has been underwhelming, recently suffering a 4-1 defeat to Sweden.
Swiss Surprise? jili888 co Hosts Aiming To Make More Noise
Switzerland narrowly avoided elimination until substitute Riola Xhemaili scored in stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw with Finland in their final group match, allowing the hosts to progress to the next round. The Swiss needed only a draw to advance but found themselves trailing 1-0 after Finland scored a penalty in the 79th minute, leading to a tense finish.
The hosts’ next challenge? A quarterfinal match against Spain on Friday. The reigning world champions have netted 14 goals in three matches, with 12 of those coming from inside the box. Switzerland, on the other hand, has managed to score only four times. This inability to find the net will be a significant hurdle against Spain’s lethal attack. Fortunately, Switzerland has benefited from significant crowds and has now reached the knockout rounds. 777 slot pagcor casino (Photo by Molly Darlington – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
How will veteran coach Pia Sundhage strategize against Spain? If her previous match is any indication, she will lean on the youth in her squad, including 19-year-old Leila Wandeler (Lyon) and 18-year-olds Sydney Schertenleib (Barcelona) and Iman Beney (Manchester City). Schertenleib, in particular, is well acquainted with her opponents, having played alongside many of them at club level.
Regardless of the outcome, the atmosphere for this match is sure to be electrifying, given the fan support throughout the tournament.
What To Expect In The Quarterfinals
The most awaited quarterfinal match is undoubtedly England vs color game gcash apk. Sweden. Both teams are currently performing at a high level – Sweden recently stunned Germany with a 4-1 victory in their final group match, while the Lionesses are striving to secure consecutive Euro victories.
England bounced back from a group-stage loss to France to keep their title defense hopes alive today bet casino. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images) These two sides met in the semifinal at the 2022 Euros, with England securing a commanding 4-0 victory. However, this encounter promises to be much closer, as Sweden has significantly improved since then. Sweden poses a physical threat and excels at set pieces, while England boasts a deeper roster and has come through a more competitive group.
In addition, Germany and France will clash, offering a showdown between two European powerhouses, while Switzerland will attempt to stay in the tournament against a heavily favored and accomplished Spain. Norway vs. Italy may appear the least exciting on paper, but it presents an opportunity to watch stars like Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen vie for a spot in the semifinals.
What are your predictions for the upcoming matches?
