Germany and Spain meet in the stand-out match of the second round of fixtures at the Women’s Euros, while Denmark and Finland do battle for third in Group B.
Germany vs Spain: Top contenders fight it out for top spot
Germany and Spain is one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the group stages, and could have significance for England, as the result might decide the Lionesses’ quarter-final opponents.
Record eight-time winners Germany got off to a flying start in the tournament by thrashing Denmark 4-0 at Brentford Community Stadium. Meanwhile, favourites Spain were similarly impressive in their opening encounter, as they eased past Finland 4-1 win, despite conceding an early goal.
Spain beat Finland 4-1 last time out
It would be unwise to expect a repeat from either side against significantly tougher opposition – indeed Germany were one of only two sides, along with England, to open with a clean sheet – but the game in Brentford is still sure to be a major draw.
Spain have never beaten Germany, but came close at the Arnold Clark Cup in February, drawing 1-1.
Team news: Germany striker Lea Schuller has been ruled out of match against Spain in Brentford after testing positive for Covid.
Lea Schueller was on target for Germany against Denmark
Spain coach Jorge Vilda doubted Schuller’s absence would be a major factor.
“Germany does not depend on any one player, they have a top-class squad,” he told reporters before a training session. “I don’t think it will change the match. They have plenty of options.”
Spain remain without midfielder and Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas after she suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament on the eve of the tournament, which ruled her out of the Euros.
Gernany trio Marina Hegering, Lena Oberdorf, Felicitas Rauch are one booking away from a suspension, while Spain’s Irene Paredes will also miss the next match if she picks up a yellow card.
Denmark vs Finland: Underdogs do battle for third
Denmark last failed to progress from the group stages in 2009
Denmark and Finland are likely playing for third place after heavy defeats in their opening group B matches.
The Danes will have to find a way past Finland’s Tinja-Riikka Korpela, who made nine saves in the opening fixture, more than any other keeper.
Denmark, who were finalists in the 2017 Euros final, need a win to keep any hope alive that they will avoid failing to progress from the group stages for the first time since 2009.
Team news: Kathrine Moller Kuhl is unavailable for Denmark as she is suspended after receiving a red card in their 4-0 defeat to Germany. The 19-year-old is expected to be replaced in midfield by Sanne Troelsgaard.
Follow Euro 2022 across Sky Sports
Keep up with all the latest from Euro 2022 across Sky Sports and Sky Sports News this summer.
Coverage will be anchored by Sky Sports WSL presenter Caroline Barker, alongside Jessica Creighton and Kyle Walker. Meanwhile, Karen Carney, Sue Smith, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk and Laura Bassett will give analysis throughout the tournament.
They will also be joined by experienced England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley and Manchester City defender Esme Morgan.
The pundits and presenters will work from the Sky Sports Women’s Euro 2022 Mobile Presentation Bus, which will follow the Sky Sports News team around the country to the various stadiums where matches are being played.
In addition, Sky Sports’ Essential Football Podcast will be rebranded for the tournament to Sky Sports Women’s Euros Podcast from 21 June. Hosted by Charlotte Marsh and Anton Toloui, it will feature exclusive news and player interviews in addition to a strong programme line-up around the tournament.
Euro 2022: The groups…
Group A: England, Austria, Norway, Northern Ireland
Group B: Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland
Group C: Netherlands, Sweden, Portugal, Switzerland
Group D: France, Italy, Belgium, Iceland
Euro 2022: The schedule…
Group stage
Wednesday July 6
Group A: England 1-0 Austria
Thursday July 7
Group A: Norway 4-1 Northern Ireland
Friday July 8
Group B: Spain 4-1 Finland
Group B: Germany 4-0 Denmark
Saturday July 9
Group C: Portugal 2-2 Switzerland
Group C: Netherlands 1-1 Sweden
Sunday July 10
Group D: Belgium 1-1 Iceland
Group D: France 5-1 Italy
Monday July 11
Group A: Austria 2-0 Northern Ireland
Group A: England v Norway – kick-off 8pm, Brighton and Hove Community Stadium
Tuesday July 12
Group B: Denmark vs Finland – kick-off 5pm, Stadium MK
Group B: Germany vs Spain – kick-off 8pm, London Community Stadium
Wednesday July 13
Group C: Sweden vs Switzerland – kick-off 5pm, Bramall Lane
Group C: Netherlands v Portugal – kick-off 8pm, Leigh Sports Village
Thursday July 14
Group D: Italy vs Iceland – kick-off 5pm, Manchester City Academy Stadium
Group D: France vs Belgium – kick-off 8pm, New York Stadium
Friday July 15
Group A: Northern Ireland v England – kick-off 8pm, St Mary’s
Group A: Austria vs Norway – kick-off 8pm, Brighton and Hove Community Stadium
Saturday July 16
Group B: Finland vs Germany – kick-off 8pm, Stadium MK
Group B: Denmark vs Spain – kick-off 8pm, London Community Stadium
Sunday July 17
Group C: Switzerland vs Netherlands – kick-off 5pm, Bramall Lane
Group C: Sweden vs Portugal – kick-off 5pm, Leigh Sports Village
Monday July 18
Group D: Iceland vs France – kick-off 8pm, New York Stadium
Group D: Italy vs Belgium – kick-off 8pm, Manchester City Academy Stadium
Knockout phase
Quarter-finals
Wednesday July 20
Quarter-final 1: Winners Group A v Runners-up Group B – kick-off 8pm, Brighton and Hove Community Stadium
Thursday July 21
Quarter-final 2: Winners Group B v Runners-up Group A – kick-off 8pm, London Community Stadium
Friday July 22
Quarter-final 3: Winners Group C v Runners-up Group D – kick-off 8pm, Leigh Sports Village
Quarter-final 4: Winners Group D v Runners-up Group C – kick-off 8pm, New York Stadium
Semi-finals
Tuesday July 26
Semi-final 1: Winners quarter-final 1 v Winners quarter-final 3 – kick-off 8pm, Bramall Lane
Wednesday July 27
Semi-final 2: Winners quarter-final 2 v Winners quarter-final 4 – kick-off 8pm, Stadium MK
Final
Sunday July 31
Winners semi-final 1 v Winners semi-final 2 – kick-off 5pm, Wembley
