Women’s Euros: Group C & D Update | OneFootball

Eight teams. Two games in for each group. Zooey Davenport covered Groups A & B earlier; I will be tackling Groups C & D. The winner of Group C plays the runner-up of Group D (and vice versa). Given the incredible strength in both groups, positioning won’t guarantee an easier opponent in the next round. But it should be noted that the runner-up of Group D goes onto a path where they would NOT meet up with Spain until the final (assuming Spain stay on their winning path).

Group C

Group C Standings (Source: Wikipedia)

You may look at this table and think you can skip the final game. After all, what is there to play for. But I caution the reader into taking this cynical path. There’s plenty still there.

Qualified for Next Round

We can start with our guaranteed group winners: Germany and Sweden. Germany were typically efficient against a stubborn Polish side, their quality eventually overwhelming the debutantes. Against Denmark, they gave up an early goal before upping their game, getting a few lucky breaks, and finishing the job with calm authority. They still haven’t lost a game in 2025.

Sweden have been dominant since the opening whistle of each of their matches. They have yet to concede a goal; the only team with a clean sheet in group play. They’re winning without overwhelming possession (55.6% avg.), but peppering the opposition with shots (taking 20.5 per game and only allowing 8.5 against). They’re also dominating on set pieces (15 corners taken vs. 6 allowed); their three goals against Poland were all headers off dead ball crosses.  In Euros group play they’re incredibly resilient, having only lost twice out of 34 games.

Eliminated

Denmark might not have the pedigree of those two, but they’re a perennially strong contender and have to be disappointed in this campaign so far. They appeared very flat and listless in their 1 – 0 loss to Sweden, and couldn’t maintain their drive against Germany, despite scoring first. They lacked attacking creativity although they have one of the most dangerous forwards in Ada Hegenberg.

Poland actually played better than their record would indicate, particularly given that this is their first major tournament. Their failure to effectively capitalize on chances have hurt them.

Upcoming Matches & Predictions

Both games will be played simultaneously at 3pm ET on July 12th and broadcast on FOX and FS1

Poland vs Denmark. While both teams are eliminated, I expect a feisty match between them. The Poles worked extremely hard to earn their very first major tournament spot; leaving here with a win would be HUGE for their program. Danish doesn’t have a word for “surrender” (Editor’s note: this is not true) and will not want to go home without at least a point. That early goal against Germany showed they have teeth, but I think it will be the Polish team that wins.

Sweden vs. Germany. We know the winner of this match gets to avoid Spain until the final. That prize alone should be enough to ensure a vibrant contest. In the event of a draw, Sweden wins the group. This puts more pressure on Germany, and Sweden should be content to absorb their attack and hit them on the counter.

Winner: SwedenRunner-Up: Germany

Group D

Group D Standings (Source: Wikipedia)

Coming into today’s fixtures, all the pressure was on England. Their 2 – 1 loss to France in their opener meant they needed a statement win over the Netherlands or face elimination. And the Lionesses delivered. They utterly dominated the 2017 Euro champions in a 4 – 0 rout, limiting the normally potent Dutch attack to a single shot on target off four total.

This result completely flips the tables on the Netherlands, who go from sitting in the catbird seat to staring elimination in the face. Their 3 – 0 win over Wales was solid, but it took until first half stoppage time to produce a goal. Any questions about the Dutch were answered by an England squad who outplayed them in nearly every key metric.

France have two wins and while their advancement is not secure, it would require an extraordinary sequence of events to knock them out. All six of their goals come from different players; against Wales they made seven changes to the starting eleven without significant loss of fidelity. There are questions around their defense, having surrendered that late goal to England and allowing Wales to also score one, and have another three shots on frame.

Making History

If you’re familiar with the expression “It’s an honor just to be invited” then you know how Wales feel. As tournament debutantes in the toughest group, they knew that the mountain before them was steep. All the same, they played a stalwart game against France, and when Jess Fishlock thrust her leg into the ball to pass it over the line, she not only became the oldest goal scorer in Euros history, she became the first Euros goal scorer for her nation. It was a moment of genuine celebration that could not be dampened even as they went on to lose 4 – 1.

Upcoming Matches & Predictions

Both games will be played simultaneously at 3pm ET on July 13th and broadcast on FOX and FS1

Netherlands vs. France. Les Blues had best be careful. The Dutch need a win and a lion is most dangerous when cornered. Holland will note how the French defense were compromised and seek to exploit any weakness shown. I think the Dutch will draw.

England vs. Wales. You what’s better than scoring a goal? Humiliating your biggest rival on the international stage. Wales will be very keen to knock out the English; it would be as sweet as advancing themselves. Unfortunately, England is just too strong and will take the victory, though Wales will get another goal.

Group Winner: FranceGroup Runner-Up: England