Euro 2025 quarter-finals: Penalty thrillers, Italian brilliance, England keep title defence alive | OneFootball

The Euro 2025 quarter-finals delivered everything we love about a tournament — resilience, drama, heartbreak, and a whole lot of passion.

Across the four games, we witnessed giants fall, underdogs rise, and two penalty shootouts that will live long in our memories. Here is a full breakdown of all the games throughout the Euro 2025 quarter-finals and a look at who is heading to the semis.

Italy hold their nerve over Norway

Norway 1-2 Italy

Italy came into this quarter-final as slight underdogs against a well-organised and experienced Norway side. Italy’s Cristiana Girelli opened the scoring in the 50th minute, just after Norway failed to convert a penalty kick.

The Norwegians found a response shortly after the Italy goal. In the 66th minute, Ada Hegerberg equalised from close range following sustained pressure. For a spell, it looked as though Norway might assert control, but Italy held firm and tried to remain composed under pressure.

The game looked as if it was headed into extra time until Girelli scored her second goal of the game. The forward got away from the Norwegian defence and nodded in a header from off the crossbar to win Italy the game in the 90th minute.

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England Lionesses roar back over Sweden

Sweden 2-2 England (England win 3-2 on penalties)

Reigning champions England staged a dramatic comeback to secure their place in the semi-finals. In a match that tested their resilience and character, the Lionesses clawed their way back from 2-0 down before triumphing on penalties in one of the most gripping games of the tournament so far.

Sweden struck twice in the first 25 minutes with goals from Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius that capitalised on England’s defensive vulnerabilities and lack of control in the midfield. The goals came from fast, incisive play, exposing gaps in England’s high press. For much of the match, Sarina Wiegman’s side struggled to find rhythm and with time running out, their title defence looked like it was slipping away.

However, the game turned dramatically in the final 15. In the 78th minute, Chloe Kelly was subbed on for Lauren Hemp and everything changed. England pulled one back through Lucy Bronze, who rose high to get onto the ball after the cross came in from Kelly. Just two minutes later, 19-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang levelled the score with a composed finish under pressure — her first senior international goal in a tournament.

With the match tied at 2-2, it headed into extra time and then penalties. The shootout was tense and error-filled, with a remarkable nine misses across both teams. England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton proved to be the difference, making two crucial saves to deny Sweden and helping secure a 3-2 win in the shootout.

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Hosts Switzerland knocked out by Spain

Switzerland 0-2 Spain

World champions Spain booked their place in the semi-finals with a composed and commanding 2-0 victory over the tournament hosts.

From the opening whistle, Spain dominated possession and dictated tempo, pinning Switzerland deep into their own half and giving them little room to operate. Their midfield trio — anchored by Aitana Bonmatí — was central to this control. Bonmatí once again showed her class, orchestrating play with vision and composure. She was rewarded for her efforts with a clever assist in the 66th minute.

Despite the backing of a passionate home crowd, Switzerland struggled to make any impact in the final third. They showed spirit and resilience, particularly through the efforts of goalkeeper Livia Peng, who kept the scoreline respectable through several saves. But Spain were relentless in pressure and extended their lead in the 71st minute through Claudia Pina, whose powerful strike from the edge of the area sealed the result.

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Germany edge out France on penalties

France 1-1 Germany (Germany win 6-5 on pens)

The most intense and emotionally charged quarter-final came on the final night in Basel. Germany’s hopes looked in tatters just 13 minutes in, when defender Kathrin Hendrich was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity via a hair-pull. France capitalised through a well-taken penalty by Grace Geyoro and pushed to extend their lead.

But Germany, as they do so often, dug in with grit and intelligence. Sjoeke Nüsken equalised with a powerful header. From there, Germany showed extraordinary discipline to take the game to penalties after holding France for over 90 minutes with a player less.

The penalty shootout was tense, with both sides trading goals and misses. In a remarkable twist, Germany goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger not only saved two penalties but also scored one herself. Her performance epitomised Germany’s never-say-die spirit. She also provided a world class save, one that may be remembered as the best of the whole tournament.

France will feel they missed an opportunity, having two goals ruled out for offside, but Germany’s resilience under pressure was outstanding.

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Final thoughts

Each of the four quarter-finals brought its own unique storyline — comebacks, red cards, shootout tension and individual brilliance. What struck home was the resilience shown by eventual winners of each clash. Italy’s belief, England’s refusal to quit, Spain’s composure, and Germany’s defiance in adversity.

The semi-finals now feature four teams with different styles and mentailites. Spain look the most complete team on paper, but Germany’s experience, England’s grit and Italy’s momentum make this anyone’s tournament.

The semi-final match up between England and Italy is scheduled for 20:00 BST on the July 22nd. Germany and Spain will lock horns a day later at the same time.

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