EXPLAINER
The UEFA Women’s Euro quarterfinals had everything one could ask for, including a last-minute winner, two thrilling shootouts, missed penalties, and countless saves.
With only four teams remaining in the hunt for the European crown, the drama continues into the final week.
How are the Euro 2025 semifinals organized:
England vs. Italy in the first semifinal
When: Tuesday at 9pm (19: 00 GMT)
Where: Stade de Geneve, Geneva
Italy’s long-awaited goal came to an end with Cristiana Girelli’s 90th-minute header on Wednesday, ending their 28-year quest for a spot in the Women’s European championship semifinals.
Italy, who had already won the match as the underdogs, defeated Norway 2-1 thanks to Girelli’s two goals, and Ada Hegerberg’s second penalty-freeze of the year, added one more.
“I experienced something unique, something new.” After the game, the 35-year-old Girelli said, “I have seen in my teammates a special light.” “You have to keep on living if you have a flame.” We endured a lot of suffering, but we persevered.
With a dramatic penalty win over Sweden on Thursday, their fairytale run will now face their next test against reigning champion England, who snatched victory from the pits of despair.
The Lionesses quickly rallied to win the match in extra time, scoring two goals in two minutes, trailing 2-0 at halftime.
As England coach Sarina Wiegman breathed a sigh of relief as her side advanced to the semi-finals of Euro 2025, defender Lucy Bronze slammed her spot kick into the roof of the net during the penalty shootout, which featured 14 attempts, while goalkeeper Hannah Hampton saved two saves.
“It was difficult. one of the most challenging video games I’ve ever played. very emotional We could have missed four or five games, according to Wiegman.
England has won four of their last five friendlies against Italy, all of which came to an end in victories. In the final, the winner of the first semifinal will face either Spain or Germany.
Germany vs. Spain in the second semifinal
When: Wednesday at 9pm (19: 00 GMT)
Where: Stadion Letzigrund, Zurich
Spain defeated hosts Switzerland 2-0 in the quarterfinal on Friday despite failing twice from the penalty spot to keep their quest for a first-ever Women’s Euro title alive.
Before super sub Athenea del Castillo scored the opener shortly after the hour mark, Claudia Pina doubled the lead with a superb curling effort, the world champions had to work hard in the first half to fend off a tenacious Swiss defense. Spain’s victory preserved their unbroken 100-percent success at Euro 2025.
After the game, del Castillo criticized Germany for their 1-0 defeat to Germany in the bronze medal match in Paris 2024, saying “Maybe we’d prefer to face them again.”
Germany are through, and Athenea will now face their Olympic rival in the semifinals, which might just be Athenea getting.
In Saturday’s thrilling semifinal, the Germans defeated France 6-5 on penalties, coming back from a goal down to win the match. They played with 10 players the majority of the way. German midfielder Kathrin Hendrich pulled Griedge Mbock’s hair in the 13th minute, and she was sent off with a straight red.
After extra time, the game was decided on penalties, with the score at 1-1. Ann-Katrin Berger, the country’s goalkeeper, did the magic by firing home from a crucial spot kick herself before making a decisive penalty save to win the game-tying 0-0 with France.  ,
We have to face [Spain] in the final because it is a very difficult and tough opponent. Everyone put forth the best effort possible, and we must all resurrect. The 34-year-old Berger, who made a number of outstanding saves throughout the match, said, “We have to make sure we recover.”
Germany and Spain have lost five of their eight meetings while recording a goal count of 18-3.
Source: Aljazeera
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