The Women’s Euro 2022 featured four contrasting quarter-finals, and what drama they have provided.
And if the tournament hadn’t captured the attention of sections of the wider footballing public until now with all the Women’s Euro 2022 highlights, that is certainly beginning to change with so much to savour.
Of course, it helps when the national broadcaster of the host nation changes its schedule so even its prime-time soap opera is switched to the “second” channel but the drama that followed merely served to outline why the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) did just that.
Let’s begin with the hosts and I cannot agree with the assertion from England captain Leah Williamson who said she never thought they were going to lose to Spain, despite needing an 84th-minute equaliser and extra-time winner.
For a spell in the second period, I suspected they may well be on their way out with Spain having chances to go 2-0 ahead and, likely, settle the contest. On top of that, the quick one-touch passing of the Spanish had me purring and England chasing.
However, character and a refusal to buckle shone through and, with the Lionesses six minutes away from a last-eight exit in Brighton, Ella Toone pounced to force extra time, where Georgia Stanway drove in a long-range winner for 2-1.
The goal in itself is well worth viewing again and, while no one could make a convincing case that England’s style of play was more pleasing on the eye or demonstrated more composure on the ball than Spain, they came out on top in the first true test to measure their credentials and Euro 2022 hopes.
Indeed, I now suspect they are firmer favourites to win their semi-final against Sweden and the SBOTOP Women’s Euro 2022 betting odds will concur.
The Swedes are no fortunate semi-finalists, mind.
The fact it took them until the 92nd minute and their 33rd attempt on goal to despatch plucky Belgium showed how dominant they were.
When Nathalie Bjorn’s shot was blocked on the line, Linda Sembrant slammed in the rebound to finally seal their progress.
While Sweden jumped for joy in celebration, Belgium players collapsed to the ground in tears with player of the match, goalkeeper Nicky Evrard, cruelly beaten after keeping them at bay for so long.
Yet the Swedes will need to find a second gear if they are going to compete with the England team which looks a stronger proposition, even though the Scandinavians are ranked second in the world with England in eighth.
It is the other semi-final which excites me even more.
Germany are my tip for tournament success, although their Austrian neighbours gave them a scare in the last eight, hitting the woodwork three times.
The Germans struck it twice too and, crucially, also scored two of their own, taking the lead through Lina Magull before Alex Popp added a second as she became the first player to ever score in four consecutive games at a Women’s European Championships.
It was a tighter game than many would have expected as Germany faced their biggest test so far in pursuit of a record-extending ninth European title.
However, while they have the Wolfsburg forward, they will always have a chance.
She has now scored in four consecutive Euro matches, equalling the record of Heidi Mohr who did so between 1989 and 1993, and moves within one goal of England’s Beth Mead in the race for the Golden Boot.
They will face France in the other Euro 2022 semi-final after they despatched the defending champions Holland.
The match-up between two of the star teams and two of the star names in Vivianne Miedema and Marie-Antoinette Katoto, never quite materialised with Katoto ruled out through injury and, overall, the best team won.
It took until extra-time and that is when the French struck.
Kadidiatou Diani edged in front of Dominique Janssen in the box and the Dutch defender slid in to prompt a tangle of legs.
It appeared the tackle had saved the day until VAR intervened, a penalty was awarded, Eve Perisset converted – but only just – as Daphne van Domselaar got both hands to the ball – and France were through at the expense of the holders.
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