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Welcome to this week’s edition of Goalside Gossip

What a weekend across women’s football — and we’re only just getting started. The EURO 2025 quarter-finals delivered high drama and even higher stakes: Norway edged past Italy 2-1, Spain shut out Switzerland 2-0 in a match that saw a red card, and both Sweden vs England and France vs Germany ended in shootouts, with England and Germany advancing in nail-biters. Meanwhile, in the Copa América Femenina, Argentina held off Peru with a narrow 1-0 win, and Venezuela erupted with a 7-1 rout of Bolivia.

Off the pitch, there’s big news stateside too. The Washington Spirit just unveiled a lineup of new fan-focused matchday experiences to elevate the second half of their NWSL campaign. And in Denver, the city’s new NWSL franchise is set to reveal its official name, colors, and mascot at a block party on July 26 — with options like Denver Peak FC and Colorado 14ers FC in the running. Let’s get into all of it.

• Euros: Norway vs Italy (2-1)

• Euros: Sweden vs England (2(2)-(3)2)

• Euros: Spain vs Switzerland 🟥 (2-0)

• Euros: France vs Germany 🟥(1(5)-(6)1)

• Copa: Argentina vs Peru (1-0)

• Copa: Venezuela vs Bolivia (7-1)

• News: Washington Spirit Announce Fan Focused Experience

• News: Denver to Unveil New Name

Norway vs
Italy (2-1)

Cristiana Girelli and Sofia Cantore have become the driving force behind Italy’s impressive run at the Euros. The duo, who spent years linking up at Juventus, were instrumental in Italy’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over Norway—Cantore assisted both goals, while Girelli delivered a clinical brace. Their natural chemistry and mutual understanding have carried over from club to country, giving Italy a potent edge ahead of their semi-final clash with England.

Girelli, Italy’s captain and talisman, has scored three of Italy’s five tournament goals and continues to thrive in her fourth EURO appearance. Cantore, a rising star who will join the Washington Spirit after the tournament, has stepped into a key role after returning to her preferred position. Both players acknowledge the “underdog” label heading into Tuesday’s match but remain confident in their team's grit and belief. As Cantore puts it, "We started this journey dreaming of July 27—and now we have a real shot at getting there."

Sweden vs
England (2(2)-(3)2)

England pulled off a dramatic comeback to defeat Sweden in the quarter-finals, winning 3-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation and extra time. The Lionesses looked down and out at halftime, trailing 2-0 after early goals from Kosovare Asllani and Stina Blackstenius. But inspired second-half substitutions, especially the introduction of Chloe Kelly, turned the tide. Kelly delivered two pinpoint crosses: one converted by Lucy Bronze and the other by 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang to level the match. After a tense extra time, the game was decided in a wild penalty shootout where both goalkeepers starred. Ultimately, Bronze's calm finish and Smilla Holmberg’s miss sent England through to the semifinals. Check out Zlatan Ibrahimović kind words to Smilia after her miss.

Spain vs
Switzerland 🟥 (2-0)

Spain advanced to their first Euros semi-final since 1997 with a 2-0 win over hosts Switzerland in Bern. Despite dominating possession, Spain struggled to break down Switzerland’s organized defense and even missed two penalties, one from Mariona Caldentey in the first half and another from Alexia Putellas in the second. It took second-half substitutes to change the game, with Athenea del Castillo scoring just over three minutes after coming on and Claudia Pina curling in a stunning second to seal the win.

While Spain continue their pursuit of a maiden European title, Switzerland can be proud of their historic run to the quarter-finals. Backed by passionate home support, the Swiss pushed the world champions harder than any team has so far. Goalkeeper Livia Peng (Chelsea’s new keeper) was especially impressive, making key saves and stopping a penalty. Despite a late red card for Noelle Maritz, the fans stayed long after full-time to show appreciation for a team that inspired a nation and proved they can compete on the biggest stage.

France vs
Germany 🟥 (1(5)-(6)1)

Germany advanced to their record 11th semi-final after an epic 1-1 draw with France that ended 6-5 in a penalty shootout, thanks to goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger’s heroics. Playing with 10 players for nearly the entire match after Kathrin Hendrich was sent off in the 15th minute for hair pulling, Germany showed extraordinary resilience. Grace Geyoro converted the resulting penalty to give France an early lead, but Sjoeke Nüsken equalized with a smart header from a corner.

Despite dominating possession and chances, France couldn’t break down Germany’s determined defense or capitalize on their player advantage. Berger made a string of world-class saves during open play, including a stunning backward dive to prevent an own goal. France hit the bar in stoppage time and again in extra time but couldn’t find the winner.

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Argentina vs
Peru (1-0)

Argentina became the first team to qualify for the semifinals of the 2025 CONMEBOL Copa América Femenina, defeating Peru 1-0 in Quito thanks to a late header from Yamila Rodríguez. Dominating possession throughout the match, La Albiceleste struggled to convert their chances until the 87th minute, when Rodríguez powered in a header from close range. Despite missing a last-minute penalty via Florencia Bonsegundo, Argentina earned their third straight win in the group and now sit on nine points with one game remaining against host Ecuador.

Peru, meanwhile, exit the tournament with four losses, though they managed to frustrate Argentina for most of the match behind a standout performance from goalkeeper Maryory Sánchez, who was named Betano MVP.

Venezuela vs
Bolivia (7-1)

Venezuela secured their first win of the Copa América Femenina in emphatic fashion, thrashing Bolivia 7–1 in Group B action. Oriana Altuve led the charge with a hat-trick, while Deyna Castellanos, Raiderlin Carrasco, and Joemar Guarecuco also delivered standout performances. After an early exchange of goals, Venezuela dominated the match with relentless attacking play, going into halftime 3-1 ahead. The second half saw four more goals, including two more from Altuve and a late finish from Carrasco to seal a comprehensive win in Quito.

Washington Spirit Announce
Fan Focused Experience

The Washington Spirit is kicking off the second half of the 2025 NWSL season with a wave of fan-focused initiatives aimed at building momentum toward a playoff run. After a record-setting first half, highlighted by a 71% increase in season ticket holders, multiple sellouts at Audi Field, and a top-four standing in the league, the Spirit is enhancing the matchday experience with themed nights, giveaways, ticket bundles, and new retail offerings. The club also officially introduced new head coach Adrián González and welcomed over 3,000 fans to an open training session. Adding to the excitement is the arrival of Italian star Sofia Cantore, fresh off a Euro 2025 semifinal run, whose signing generated over a billion media impressions.

From “Your First Match Free” offers to fan-favorite ticket bundles like “Me + 3” and a “Pride Bundle” giveaway, the Spirit is prioritizing accessibility and celebration across its match calendar. Theme nights include Throwback Night, Pride Night, Hispanic Heritage Night, and Fan Appreciation Night. The club is also launching “Somos Spirit,” a new Spanish-language platform aimed at connecting with its Hispanic fanbase. With Concacaf W Champions Cup matches coming to Audi Field and more community initiatives on the horizon, the Spirit is delivering on its promise to elevate both the game and its growing fan community.

Denver to Unveil New Name

The Denver NWSL franchise is set to unveil its official name, logo, colors, and mascot on Saturday, July 26, during a free block party at McGregor Square starting at 2 p.m. This major branding reveal follows months of fan anticipation and input through the club’s "Name The Club" campaign, where thousands of supporters voted on a shortlist of potential team names. The final decision will be announced at the event, which will also feature exclusive merchandise, live music, games, food, and drinks. While attendance is free, fans are encouraged to RSVP — but entry will be first-come, first-served.

Final Name Options for Denver NWSL

• Denver Peak FC

• Colorado 14ers FC

• Colorado Summit FC

• Denver Elevate FC

• Denver FC

• Denver Gold FC

This new franchise has already made waves, setting a league record with 10,000 season ticket deposits and breaking ground on a temporary stadium in Centennial ahead of their 2026 debut. A permanent 14,500-seat stadium at Santa Fe Yards in Denver is set to open in 2028. The ownership group includes local and national figures such as Peyton Manning, Mikaela Shiffrin, Rob Cohen, Mellody Hobson, and members of the Coors family, signaling deep investment in growing women’s professional sports in Colorado. The brand reveal will mark a new era for Denver sports, the city’s first professional women’s team in a major U.S. league.