Welcome to this week’s edition of Goalside Gossip

What. A. Week. The final round of the Women’s EURO 2025 group stage delivered chaos, comebacks, and no shortage of goals. Sweden rolled past Germany in a 4-1 statement win, while France lit up the scoreboard against the Netherlands in a 5-2 rout. Norway edged Iceland 4-3 in a wild match that included a red card and a late penalty scare, Spain outclassed Italy 3-1 to stay perfect, and England flexed their firepower with a 6-1 thrashing of Wales. With the group stage behind us, the knockout bracket is officially set—and we’ve got your full breakdown of who’s in, who’s out, and our juicy predictions. We also give you an intro to the Copa América Femenina which we will be covering more extensively as the Euros come to a close.

• Euros: Sweden vs Germany 🟥 (4-1)

• Euros: Netherlands vs France (5-2)

• Euros: Norway vs Iceland 🟥 (4-3)

• Euros: Italy vs Spain (1-3)

• Euros: England vs Wales (6-1)

• News: EURO 2025 Knockout Stage Confirmed: Who’s In and Who’s Out

• News: Quick Look at the Copa América Femenina

Sweden vs
Germany 🟥 (4-1)

Sweden stormed to a dominant 4-1 victory over Germany in their final Group C match at the Euros, clinching top spot with a perfect nine points. Despite conceding an early goal to Germany’s Jule Brand, Sweden quickly responded with a goal from Stina Blackstenius and took control of the match. Smilla Holmberg and Fridolina Rolfö added to the tally before Lina Hurtig sealed the win late on. A pivotal moment came in the 32nd minute when Germany’s Carlotta Wamser was sent off for a deliberate handball, leading to Rolfö's penalty and swinging momentum fully in Sweden’s favor.

While both teams advance to the quarter-finals, the loss marks the first time Germany has conceded four goals in a Women’s Euro match. The Germans started strong but unraveled after Wamser’s red card, with coach Christian Wück admitting it was the turning point.

Netherlands vs
France (5-2)

France secured top spot in Group D at the Euros with a 5-2 win over the Netherlands, thanks to a standout performance from Delphine Cascarino, who scored twice and assisted another. Despite falling behind 2-1 at halftime, the French roared back. Cascarino assisted Marie-Antoinette Katoto’s equalizer before scoring two goals in quick succession, and Sakina Karchaoui added a late penalty to seal the result.

With the win, France maintained their perfect group stage record and will face Germany in the quarter-finals on July 19 in Basel. The match marked a resounding statement from France, who look like strong contenders heading into the knockout rounds.

Norway vs
Iceland 🟥 (4-3)

Norway wrapped up the Euros group stage with a stellar 4-3 win over Iceland, thanks to a breakout performance from 19-year-old winger Signe Gaupset in her first tournament start. Gaupset was involved in all four of Norway’s goals—scoring twice in the first half and assisting both of Frida Maanum’s second-half strikes. Although Iceland struck first and added two late goals, including a stoppage-time penalty after a red card to Norway’s Marit Bratberg Lund, the Norwegians held on to complete a perfect group stage with three wins from three.

Despite missing several star players, including legend Ada Hegerberg and Caroline Graham Hansen, Norway showcased their attacking depth and now head into the quarter-finals full of confidence. Iceland, already eliminated prior to kickoff, exit the tournament winless but with a more spirited performance in their final match.

Italy vs
Spain (1-3)

Spain secured top spot in Group B at the Euros with a 3-1 victory over Italy, capping off a perfect group stage with three wins from three. Despite a sluggish start and conceding an early goal to Elisabetta Oliviero, Spain quickly responded through Athenea del Castillo and went on to dominate. Patri Guijarro gave them the lead early in the second half, and Esther González sealed the win in stoppage time. Spain now face tournament hosts Switzerland in the quarter-finals.

Italy, who finished second in the group with four points, also advance to the knockout stage and will face Group A winners Norway. Although the Italians started brightly and nearly took the lead with a header off the crossbar from Elena Linari, they struggled to maintain possession as Spain found their rhythm. Spain’s blend of possession control and attacking flair has made them a tournament favorite, though players like Guijarro noted room for improvement, particularly in defensive transitions.

England vs
Wales (6-1)

England stormed into the quarter-finals with a 6-1 win over Wales, sealing second place in Group D and setting up a highly anticipated clash with Sweden. Georgia Stanway sparked the rout with a controversial early penalty, and from there the Lionesses never looked back. Goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, and Aggie Beever-Jones followed in a performance that showcased England’s attacking depth and confidence. Despite a second-half consolation from Hannah Cain, Wales were outclassed and exit the tournament with three losses in their debut appearance.

While Wales showed grit and earned applause from their fans, the gulf in experience and quality was clear, as England controlled 77% of possession and created wave after wave of chances. Manager Sarina Wiegman praised her side’s dominance and was pleased with their progression from a tough group.

EURO 2025 Knockout Stage Confirmed:
Who’s In and Who’s Out

And then there were eight. The Women’s EURO 2025 knockout bracket is locked, and every quarter-final matchup is serving serious drama potential. Here's your cheat sheet (and bold predictions):

Norway vs Italy (July 16, Geneva)
Italy have kept things tidy at the back, not conceding in two of their group games. Norway, on the other hand, are riding chaos and confidence—netting four against Iceland with teen sensation Signe Gaupset stealing headlines.
Prediction: 2-1 Norway, with an ironic late own goal from Italy

Sweden vs England (July 17, Zurich)
This might just be the marquee matchup. Sweden have been a force, demolishing Germany with their relentless frontline. England look strong, but are they battle-hardened enough? This one's likely to go the distance.
Prediction: 2-2 draw, England advance 4-3 on penalties

Spain vs Switzerland (July 18, Bern)
Spain have looked every bit the title favorite, dominating possession and piling up goals. Switzerland will enjoy home support and have young talent shining, but Spain’s midfield machine should overwhelm them.
Prediction: 3-1 Spain

France vs Germany (July 19, Basel)
A heavyweight clash with revenge on the menu. France haven’t made it past the quarters in recent Euros, but their group-stage form suggests this could be their year. Germany, still smarting from their 4-1 loss to Sweden, will come out swinging.
Prediction: 2-1 France

Group Stage Summary:

• Group A:🥇 Norway (9 pts), 🥈 Switzerland (4 pts), 3rd: Finland (4 pts), 4th: Iceland (0 pts)

• Group B:🥇 Spain (9 pts),🥈 Italy (4 pts), 3rd: Belgium (3 pts), 4th: Portugal (1 pt)

• Group C:🥇 Sweden (9 pts),🥈 Germany (6 pts), 3rd: Poland (3 pts), 4th: Denmark (0 pts)

• Group D:🥇 France (9 pts),🥈 England (6 pts), 3rd: Netherlands (3 pts), 4th: Wales (0 pts)

Tiebreaker Rules (if teams finish level on points):

1. Head-to-head points

2. Head-to-head goal difference

3. Head-to-head goals scored

4. Reapply criteria 1–3 if needed

5. Overall group goal difference

6. Overall goals scored

7. Fair play points (fewer cards = better ranking)

8. Qualifying phase rankings

9. Penalty shootout only applies if two tied teams met in their final match with a quarter-final spot on the line

With powerhouses like France, Spain, and Sweden undefeated in their groups, the knockout stage promises high-stakes drama and elite competition.

Copa América Femenina 2025:
Quick Overview + Team List

Tournament Snapshot

• What & Where: South America’s premier women’s football competition, taking place from July 11 to August (dates vary by stage) in Quito, Ecuador, spread over three host stadiums at high altitude.

• Format:

  • 10 teams split into two groups of five.

  • Top two from each group progress to the semifinals.

  • Third-placed teams face off in a 5th-place playoff, with the winners earning a Pan-American Games spot.

  • Finals and semis are held in prominent venues, with the winner and runner-up also qualifying for the Paris 2028 Olympics.

• Why It Matters: It’s the first biennial edition under CONMEBOL’s revamped women’s calendar. It offers teams competitive exposure ahead of the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. This tournament also serves as Olympic and Pan-Am qualifiers.

Key Contenders to Watch

• Brazil: Eight-time champions, led by veteran legend Marta—now un-retired—and powerhouse forward Kerolin.

• Colombia: Strong challengers, featuring rising stars Linda Caicedo and Mayra Ramírez, continuing their form from Tokyo and 2022 Copa success.

• Argentina: Perennial dark horses, spearheaded by top scorer Yamila Rodríguez and 19-year-old talent Kishi Núñez.

• Chile: Consistent performers, bolstered by a 2023 Pan-Am Games silver and solid squad development.

• Hosts Ecuador: Enjoy altitude advantage and growing home support, led by veteran captain Ligia Moreira, while other teams showcase mix of experience and youth to challenge the region.

Competing Nations (by Group)

Group A: Ecuador (Host), Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Peru

Group B: Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Venezuela, Bolivia