Women’s Euro preview: Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland and Sweden all in sight of quarter-final birth in group stage final | Soccer News
Troy L. Milliron
5 min read
Group C remains to be won – or lost – as the Netherlands, Portugal, Switzerland and Sweden vie for a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2022 in the group’s final matches on Sunday.
Switzerland vs Netherlands, Sheffield, kick off 5pm
Although they could still win the group, anything but a victory will knock Switzerland out of Euro 2022 in the group stage.
A single point in their opening two games gave them a tough task against the reigning European champions – and they have never beaten the Netherlands in a competitive game.
“Hopefully to see that they bring everything they have to achieve what we want to achieve, and then we’ll have to see if that’s enough,” said head coach Nils Neilson, knowing that even victory might not come. not pass Switzerland if Sweden lose against Portugal. .
Illness has not been kind to either side throughout the tournament so far, with Switzerland’s stomach problem seemingly behind them with a full squad to choose from ahead of the game Sunday.
The same cannot be said for the holders, who had star striker Vivianne Miedema and midfielder Jackie Groenen absent for the win over Portugal after the pair caught Covid-19, while Aniek Nouwen was absent with an ankle problem. Manager Mark Parsons hopes all three will be back to face Switzerland.
The Netherlands need just one point to seal qualification, but with the Group C winners avoiding a quarter-final clash with a promising French side, top of the table will be a priority for Parsons and his team. .
Sweden vs Portugal, Leigh, kick off 5pm
Sweden’s performances haven’t lived up to their world No. 2 ranking, but they are just one point short of qualifying for the knockout stages
Sweden have reached the knockout stages of the European Championships in each of their 10 appearances in the competition – and their task is simple to continue that record against Portugal on Sunday.
Peter Gerhardsson’s side only need a draw to reach the quarter-finals, although as mentioned above they will want to avoid a round-of-16 encounter with France if they finish second. Improving the Netherlands’ result against Switzerland would do just that, while if both teams win the group winners will be determined by goal difference.
Portugal weren’t even considering taking part in this tournament until UEFA announced them as Russia’s substitutes in May, but they kept their dream alive until their last group game and have already made their mark. proven as a tough opponent despite only getting one point so far.
Portugal have beaten 2-0 twice in as many games in this tournament, but were beaten 3-2 by the Netherlands in their last match.
They battled 2-0 against Switzerland to draw in their opener of the competition and did the same against the Netherlands on Wednesday, only to fall to winner Danielle Van de Donk just after the hour mark in a 3-2 loss.
This performance, hopes coach Francisco Neto, will strengthen the feeling of confidence in his team. He said: “By playing against a team like the Netherlands, we are getting stronger, and that will continue in the [Sweden game]. Again we are going to be competitive, and the way the Dutch players celebrated [their win against us] show their respect for what we have done.”
Portugal must win, with a draw or a win for the Netherlands guaranteeing their progress. If Portugal and Switzerland both win, there will be heads scraping to determine who is through or not, as with all teams on a four point goal difference, goals scored and then disciplinary ratings would be used to try to divide them.
Follow Euro 2022 on Sky Sports
Catch up on all the latest Euro 2022 news on Sky Sports and Sky Sports News this summer.
Coverage will be anchored by Sky Sports WSL presenter Caroline Barker, alongside Jessica Creighton and Kyle Walker. Meanwhile, Karen Carney, Sue Smith, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk and Laura Bassett will provide analysis throughout the tournament.
They will also be joined by experienced England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley and Manchester City defender Esme Morgan.
Pundits and presenters will work from the Sky Sports Women’s Euro 2022 mobile presentation bus, which will follow the Sky Sports News team around the country to the various stadiums where the matches are taking place.
Additionally, Sky Sports’ Essential Football Podcast will be rebranded for the Sky Sports Women’s Euros Podcast Tournament from June 21. Hosted by Charlotte Marsh and Anton Toloui, it will feature exclusive news and player interviews in addition to a solid tournament programme.
Euro 2022: The groups…
Group A: England, Austria, Norway, Northern Ireland
Group B: Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland
Group C: Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Switzerland
Group D: France, Italy, Belgium, Iceland
Euro 2022: The schedule…
Group stage
Wednesday July 6
Group A: England 1-0 Austria
Thursday July 7
Group A: Norway 4-1 Northern Ireland
Friday July 8
Group B: Spain 4-1 Finland
Group B: Germany 4-0 Denmark
Saturday July 9
Group C: Portugal 2-2 Switzerland
Group C: Netherlands 1-1 Sweden
Sunday July 10
Group D: Belgium 1-1 Iceland
Group D: France 5-1 Italy
Monday July 11
Group A: Austria 2-0 Northern Ireland
Group A: England 8-0 Norway
tuesday july 12
Group B: Denmark 1-0 Finland
Group B: Germany 2-0 Spain
Wednesday July 13
Group C: Sweden 2-1 Switzerland
Group C: Netherlands 3-2 Portugal
Thursday July 14
Group D: Italy 1-1 Iceland
Group D: France 2-1 Belgium
friday july 15
Group A: Austria 1-0 Norway
Group A: Northern Ireland 0-5 England
Saturday July 16
Group B: Finland 0-3 Germany
Group B: Denmark 0-1 Spain
Sunday July 17
Group C: Switzerland vs Netherlands – kick off 5pm, Bramall Lane
Group C: Sweden v Portugal – kick off 5pm, Leigh Sports Village
Monday July 18
Group D: Iceland vs France – Kick-off 8pm, New York Stadium
Group D: Italy v Belgium – Kick off 8pm, Manchester City Academy Stadium
Knockout stage
Quarter-finals
Wednesday July 20
Quarter-final 1: Winners Group A v Runners-up Group B – kick off 8pm, Brighton and Hove Community Stadium
Thursday July 21
Quarter-Final 2: Group B Winners v Group A Runners-up 8pm, London Community Stadium
friday july 22
Quarter-final 3: Winners Group C v Runners-up Group D – kick-off 8pm, Leigh Sports Village
Quarter-Final 4: Winners Group D v Runners-up Group C – kick-off 8pm, New York Stadium
Semi-finals
tuesday july 26
Semi-Final 1: Quarter-Final Winners 1 v Quarter-Final Winners 3 – Kick-off 8pm, Bramall Lane
Wednesday July 27
Semi-Final 2: Winner Quarter-Final 2 v Winner Quarter-Final 4 – Kick-off 8pm, Stadium MK
Final
Sunday July 31
Winners Semi-Final 1 v Winners Semi-Final 2 – Kick-off 5pm, Wembley
