Group Stage Round 2 – Equalizer Soccer

Photo Credit: Philipp Kresnik (Philipp Kresnik / SheKicks / SPP)

With more outstanding goals, and a surprising result or two, Round 2 of the group stage provided more clarity into the knockout round picture. There is now all to play for as the 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro group stage wraps up.

Best in class

Spain – La Roja continue their frightening form, and have already scored more goals (11) than the entirety of their 2024 Olympic run. The defending world champions have showcased an unrelenting ferocity in front of goal – one propelled by tournament joint top scorers Alexia Putellas and Esther González. 18-year-old Vicky López has taken center stage as an understudy to Aitana Bonmatí, who continues to ramp up minutes. Though Spain flashed some defensive deficiencies against Belgium, their immediate responses in the form of goals are indicative of a winning mentality.     

Sweden – Sweden delivered several devastating blows to Poland and punched their way to the knockout round. They tormented their opponents’ center backs with cutting crosses into the box, and out-shot the tournament debutantes 22 to 7. Swedish stalwarts Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius were simply too much to handle, and paved the way to the resounding 3-0 victory. Sweden progress full steam ahead in their quest for their major international trophy since 1984. 

France – Call it smart squad management or flexing of squad depth as France made seven changes to the side that dispatched England last week. Wales were often their own worst enemies, and France rarely had to switch to higher gears. That being said, Les Bleues still dictated the game, and capitalized on their chances. Group D is still mathematically undecided, and thanks to Wednesday’s squad rotation, will enter their decisive final match against the Netherlands with fresher legs. 

Battle-worn, but through to the quarterfinals

Germany – The eight-time tournament winners bent a bit in their group stage match against Denmark, but did not break. Denmark struck first in their second group stage match, but Germany claimed the lead with two second-half goals, and never let go. Germany were perhaps fortunate to have been awarded a soft penalty, but made the most of it. They will now face fellow quarterfinalists Sweden to determine who tops the group, and will aim to continue to grow into the tournament. It may all be academic as both Sweden and Germany are guaranteed to face one of France, England, or the Netherlands in what will be heavyweight quarterfinal match-ups.

Norway – It was an unconvincing win in an unconvincing group, but the table does not lie. Norway were outworked and out-thought for the majority of their match versus Finland. However, individually brilliant players are capable of single-handedly flipping games, and that is exactly what Caroline Graham Hansen did. Her 84th-minute mazy run into the box and genius angled finish made the difference. Norway, now top the group, await either Portugal or Italy in the quarterfinals.

Go big or go home

England – That is one way to silence the critics. The Lionesses delivered an emphatically self-assured and dominant performance that could well turn around their tournament fortunes. Coach Sarina Wiegman’s reputation of being loath to make changes is well-known, but the 4-0 result validates her decisions to alternate Jess Carter and Alex Greenwood in the back line and replace Beth Mead with Ella Toone. England absolutely bossed the Netherlands with more direct, physical, and incisive play. Lauren James showcased her otherworldly talent with a brace. This resilient showing puts England in excellent stead to maintain their Euro crowd as they conclude their group stage against a limited Wales.

Switzerland – Buoyed by a boisterous home crowd, the hosts nabbed a 2-0 win over Iceland to keep their tournament hopes alive. Led by outstanding young talent, the Swiss play with a sense of sheer fun and attacking abandon. Head coach Pia Sundhage demonstrated tactical flexibility in tweaking the formation and rotating her two strikers up top. The changes paid dividends, as the hosts poured chances on an over-matched Iceland side. The hosts will hope to keep the party going, as their sights turn to gaining a result against Finland on Thursday.

Italy – Each of Italy’s two tournament goals have been top-tier products of individual magic. They will need to reach into their bag of tricks once more, as they face the unenviable challenge of earning at least a point against Spain to guarantee their place in the next round. The task is even tougher, as Italy has shown a propensity to become defensively frayed when pressed. 

Portugal – Portugal put forth a laudable, tenacious, and proud performance against Italy, earning a 1-1 draw (the only stalemate of the tournament thus far). It was a 180-degree performance from their pummeling at the hands of Spain, as they plugged up a leaky defense and utilized their subs to threaten in attack. Kika Nazareth is a game-changer and will be crucial in a must-win game against Italy on Friday.

Finland – The Boreal Owls thoroughly outplayed Norway, and topped their opponents in every statistical category except for the one that matters most – goals scored. Luck has simply not been on the Finns’ side thus far. Can fortune finally favor the brave for this sturdy and industrious Finland side? They will look to spoil the Swiss party and knock out the hosts.

Netherlands – The 2019 Euro winners were utterly played off the park against England, and now face the very real threat of group stage elimination. The Netherlands could not lay a glove on their opponents (specifically in midfield), and Vivianne Miedema was starved of service throughout the match. The soul-searching will need to be swift, as they must now vanquish a fearsome France to stay alive in the Group of Death. 

The journey ends here

Belgium – Belgium acquitted themselves with dignity, but besting Spain was ultimately a Sisyphean task. The Red Flames were essentially extinguished after the first group stage match against Italy, and will undoubtedly be disappointed in not realizing the potential that resides in this well-organized side.

Iceland – Overcoming both the hosts Switzerland and the electric atmosphere generated by its home supporters proved too tall a task. Iceland will now hope to score in their final group match against Norway to avoid being the only team remaining yet to find the back of the net.

Denmark – The Danes started on the front foot against Germany and drew first blood, but were ultimately undone by a questionable penalty and some shoddy defending. They simply did not have enough answers against stiff group stage competition Germany and Sweden, and are now eliminated in the Euro group stage in consecutive tournaments. 

Poland – The feistiness and spunk demonstrated against Germany was absent in Poland’s second group match versus Sweden. Poland were entirely overrun by Sweden’s dynamic attacking play, and will now conclude their debut tournament with a dead rubber match against Denmark. 

Wales – Rhian Wilkinson’s side will depart Switzerland with several memories worth celebrating and cherishing. The Dragons scored their first goal in a major international tournament, and it came courtesy of – who else? – but 38-year-old Jess Fishlock. Wales, however, were undone by too many self-inflicted defensive and goalkeeping errors, which spells a hasty end to their debut tournament run.