MY ACCOUNT
Group C fixtures, UK kick-off times and TV coverage
Portugal vs Switzerland (July 9, 5pm, BBC Two)
Netherlands vs Sweden (July 9, 8pm, BBC One)
Sweden vs Switzerland (July 13, 5pm, BBC Two)
Netherlands vs Portugal (July 13, 8pm, BBC Two)
Sweden vs Portugal (July 17, 5pm, BBC iPlayer)
Switzerland vs Netherlands (July 17, 5pm, BBC Two)
The teams
Netherlands: The defending champions will be looking to retain the trophy they won in 2017 and are among the favourites this time around.
This will be new manager Mark Parsons’ first major international tournament at the helm — but he has inherited a strong group of players, who also finished as runners-up at the 2019 World Cup.
Parsons has a trump card in Arsenal striker Vivianne Miedema. The 25-year-old won the Golden Boot at the Tokyo Olympics and will be eager to hit the 100-goal mark for her country this summer.
Sweden: Peter Gerhardsson’s side will be looking to rival the Netherlands for top spot in Group C after claiming third place at the 2019 World Cup and winning silver at the 2020 Olympics.
They have a solid record at the European Championship and have reached the final on four occasions — lifting the trophy in 1984 — as well as making it to the semi-finals a further four times.
There is a feeling that this could be the last dance for this particular group of players, with a number of the team aged over 30.
One last hurrah could see them cause a few upsets as the competition progresses.
Portugal: The Seleccao das Quinas are participating in just their second European Championship and are only involved as a result of Russia being removed by UEFA.
Francisco Neto’s women will be one of two underdogs in this group due to their lack of tournament experience, though they are capable of pulling off a surprise result. Earlier this year, they stunned Norway 2-0 in the Algarve Cup.
One big scalp here could put them in contention to qualify.
Switzerland: La Nati are playing in their second European Championship having never qualified before 2017.
Manager Nils Nielsen has experience in this competition, having guided Denmark to the final in the last edition.
While not a free hit for Switzerland, there is very little pressure on them due to being grouped with powerhouses Sweden and the Netherlands.
If Paris Saint-Germain attacker Ramona Bachmann is capable of showcasing her club form on the international stage, an upset could be on the cards in at least one of their fixtures.
Venues
The Leigh Sports Village is set to host all three Portugal matches, while Bramall Lane is the destination for the eye-catching clash between the Netherlands and Sweden.
Switzerland’s games against Sweden and the Netherlands will also take place in Sheffield.
Pre-tournament form guide
The Netherlands’ form has been somewhat patchy in 2022.
They racked up big victories over Finland, Cyprus and South Africa but underwhelmed against France and Brazil.
A 5-1 defeat to England at Elland Road in a tournament warm-up was also a cause for alarm.
Sweden, by comparison, have racked up four wins from five competitive matches in 2022, including a 15-0 win over Georgia.
More impressive, however, is the fact that they have been breached on just two occasions in those five outings. Resolute and ruthless, that will hold the Blue and Yellow in good stead at Euro 2022.
Portugal’s record since the turn of the year is remarkably polarised. They have scored in just two of their five competitive matches, with both of those games ending in victory and a clean sheet.
However, in the three games they have conceded, the side ranked No30 in the world have lost without finding the net.
Meanwhile, Switzerland are yet to taste victory in 2022 — drawing twice and succumbing to losses against Austria, Italy and Germany.
Key game
It may sound premature but the encounter between the Netherlands and Sweden could determine how this group finishes.
This fixture has favoured the Dutch in the past and they are unbeaten in five matches against Sweden (three wins, two draws). However, recent form favours the Scandinavians.
A win here for Gerhardsson’s team would make a significant statement — and lay down a marker of their tournament credentials.
LiveScore verdict
On paper, this should be a fairly straightforward group as there are two strong favourites and two clear underdogs.
Sweden and the Netherlands will be expected to sail through into the knockout stages, with the former potentially pipping the latter to top spot.
But things do not always go to plan. With the two favourites facing off in the first game, it allows one of Switzerland or Portugal to start the competition with a win and potentially build momentum.
