The Netherlands and Sweden will secure their spots in the quarter-finals of Euro 2022 when Group C ends on Sunday.
Switzerland and Portugalhowever, still dream of improving the odds and getting out of a tight qualifying battle.
Here, the PA news agency looks back at Sunday’s action Spain posted a quarter-final showdown against England and Germany ended their group stage with another impressive win.
Slim hopes for Swiss
Switzerland head coach Nils Nielsen knows it’s all or nothing for his side (Danny Lawson/PA)
(PA wire)
Switzerland have a big task ahead if they want to beat the Netherlands at Bramall Lane and reach the quarter-finals.
Nils Nielsen’s team is bottom of the table before the last game in Group C.
Only an unexpected win – which would be a first against the Dutch in almost 20 years – and a positive Sweden-Portugal result would see Switzerland through to the last eight.
“The Netherlands don’t have to win the game. We have to win, so of course we have to take the initiative,” said Nielsen. “We know that everything has to be perfect, then we have a chance.”
Oranje to keep things simple
Mark Parsons doesn’t want his Dutch team to reconsider their situation (Danny Lawson/PA)
(PA wire)
While the odds against Switzerland may seem good, the defending champions – who beat Portugal 3-2 thanks to a fine Danielle Van De Donk strike – need only avoid defeat to progress.
Oranje coach Mark Parsons could do without Arsenal striker again Vivianne Miedemawho missed the Portugal game due to Covid-19.
However, Manchester United midfielder Jackie Groenen should be involved following her recovery from a positive test.
Parsons saw his side squander a 2-0 lead against Portugal before Van De Donk’s second-half winner but is determined not to focus on anything other than the task at hand.
“You can rethink things. For us, it’s about winning a football game,” said the Dutch coach. “We know who we are and what our strengths are.”
Portugal dreams of climbing the mountain
With work still to be done in the tightest of groups, both Sweden and Portugal still have hopes of qualifying.
Sweden, who are second in the world rankings, have just one more draw to do, while Portugal need to win and hope the Dutch avoid defeat.
“The players dream of being competitive and enjoying all that, but we know it will be a huge mountain to climb,” said Portugal coach Francisco Neto.
“We have the courage and ambition to climb it and they dream of reaching the top of that hill.”
Despite being the favourites, Sweden coach Peter Gerhardsson accepts that his side need to strengthen.
“We still have a bit of work to do in attack,” he told UEFA.com.
Spain prepared England’s showdown
When Spain took on Denmark at Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday night, it was a matter of qualifying for the quarter-finals against the tournament hosts.
A point would have been enough for Spain to secure second place in Group B, but with the game going into the final stages goalless, qualification remained open.
However, Marta Cardona decided at the last minute with a header that caused wild celebrations on the bench and a strong display from the Spanish fans in the stands.
After a 4-0 loss to Germany in their opening game, Denmark kept hopes of qualifying alive with a win over Finland.
There was no fairy tale ending, however, and Denmark had to contemplate what would have happened if Nadia Nadim’s shot on target hadn’t been averted by Spain goalkeeper Sandra Panos 15 minutes from time.
The Germans produce another master class
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s team had already impressed in the first two group games and thus secured first place and a place in the quarter-finals against Austria.
Opponents Finland had nothing but pride to play in Milton Keynes after their back-to-back defeats exit was confirmed.
The result was never in doubt as Sophia Kleinherne nodded Germany in front before Alexandra Popp headed in early in the second half and added substitute Nicole Anyomi to the scoresheet.
Germany, the eight-time European champions, have now scored nine goals in their three wins and have yet to concede a goal.
Statistics of the day
image of the day
Marta Cardona’s late header secured Spain a place in the quarter-finals against hosts England (John Walton/PA).
(PA wire)
quote of the Day
They are the host country and they have the fans behind them, but that motivates us. We are a team that loves challenges.
Spain coach Jorge Vilda on the prospect of England
Next
17th July
Group C: Sweden v Portugal (5pm, Leigh) Group C: Switzerland v Netherlands (5pm, Bramall Lane)
