The semi-final line-ups for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 were finalized after four exciting quarterfinal fixtures. The four semifinalists of the 2022 Women’s EURO competition are England, Sweden, Germany, and France. England's performance in the tournament has been quite impressive. The English women’s team have dominated the competition and are considered the favourites to eventually clinch the title. Besides, Germany’s outings have been pretty solid as well, and they have a solid defense. Sweden and France have also deservedly secured a place in the last four, but do they have a chance against England and Germany respectively in the semifinals?
Who are the front-runners to advance to the final?
In the first semi-final, England will face Sweden on Wednesday at 1 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time), while in the second semi-final, Germany will face France on Thursday at 1 a.m. (Bangladesh Standard Time).
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1st Semi-Final (England vs Sweden)
Venue: Bramall Lane, Sheffield | Date: July 27 | Time (BST): 1 a.m.
Verdict: England 2-0 Sweden
England should consider themselves favourites against Sweden in their semi-final fixture as they have shown authoritative performances in this event so far. England won all of their group stage fixtures with ease, including an 8-0 thrashing of Norway. They also came from 1-0 behind and eventually sealed the quarter-final match against Spain 2-1 in extra time.
Sweden, on the other hand, had a tough start to the competition before clinching a 5-0 victory over Portugal to secure a spot in the knockout rounds. Sweden had to work hard to beat Belgium 1-0 in their quarter-final match. Therefore, England will start as favourites in this UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 semi-final fixture against Sweden.
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England’s predicted starting XI
GK: Mary Earps;
Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Leach Williamson, Rachel Daly;
Midfielders: Georgia Stanway, Keira Walsh; Fran Kirby;
Forwards: Beth Mead, Lauren Hemp, Ellen White.
Sweden’s predicted starting XI
GK: Hedvig Lindahl; Defenders: Hanna Glas, Amanda Ilestedt, Magdalena Eriksson, Jonna Andersson; Midfielders: Nathalie Bjorn, Filippa Angeldahl, Kosovare Asllani; Forwards: Rytting Kaneryd, Fridolina Rolfo, Stina Blackstenius.
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2nd Semi-Final (Germany vs France)
Venue: Stadium MK, Milton Keynes | Date: July 28 | Time (BST): 1 a.m.
Verdict: Germany 1-0 France
The German women's team hasn't given up a goal so far in this competition. They have hammered eleven goals into the opposition goal post but haven’t received a single one. They overcame Austria 2-0 in the quarter-final match, and their confidence level is high at the moment to make it to the final. On the other hand, France started the campaign with a thumping 5-1 win over Italy but had a tough time after that to secure a spot in the last four.
France defeated the defending champions Netherlands by a single goal in extra time in their quarter-final match, ensuring a meeting with Germany in the semi-finals. Overcoming eight-time European champions Germany in the semi-final would be a huge task for France. However, the fixture promises to be an interesting match to witness.
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Germany’s predicted starting XI
GK: Merle Frohms;
Defenders: Giulia Gwinn, Marina Hegering, Kathrin Hendrich, Felicitas Rauch;
Midfielders: Lena Oberdorf, Sara Dabritz; Lina Magull, Svenja Huth,
Forwards: Klara Buhl, Alexandra Popp
France’s predicted starting XI
GK: Peyraud-Magnin;
Defenders: Eve Perisset, Mbock Bathy, Wendie Renard, Sakina Karchaoui;
Midfielders: Grace Geyoro, Charlotte Bilbault, Sandie Toletti;
Forwards: Kadidiatou Diani, Melvine Malard, Delphine Cascarino.
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Verdict
In the semi-final lineups, England and Germany will likely have a slight edge over their respective opponents, Sweden and France. The England women’s team has shown commanding performances so far, and they don’t want to miss this golden opportunity to clinch their first-ever European title.
Germany, on the other hand, is the most successful team in the tournament, and their past success will give them confidence to secure yet another final berth. However, none of the UEFA Women's EURO 2022 semi-final games will be easy. The teams must play to the best of their abilities to advance to the championship match.
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