Women’s Euros Quarterfinals – A Hooligan Prediction | OneFootball

Norway vs. Italy

Wednesday July 16 @ 3pm ETStade de Genève, Geneva, SwitzerlandBroadcast on FOX

My love of a good underdog story had me picking Portugal over Italy for Group B runner-up. I was clearly wrong in that, but I’m sticking with my underdog gut and choosing Italy to topple the Norwegians. I have lots of reasons for this. The main one is that I stand by my assertion that Norway did not earn their advancement. This despite winning all three games and coming into the quarterfinals with a +3 goal differential. They were only marginally better than Finland and Switzerland and were tremendously lucky in receiving own goal gifts from the opposition. They have the talent and the experience, but unless they have personality replacement I do not see them toppling Italy.

This Azzurri side may lack some of the storied defensive steel Italian soccer is known for, but they are a disciplined and dangerous side. They put one in the net against all three teams from Group B. Arguably, they should’ve had more against Portugal and that profligacy cannot be evident when they play Norway on Wednesday. Defensively they must be resilient; offensively they must be ruthless. I think this team has that spirit.

Zooey’s call: Italy 2 – 1 Norway

Sweden vs. England

Thursday July 17 @3pm ETStadion Letzigrund, Zürich, SwitzerlandBroadcast on FOX

This is a potential final playing out two rounds early. Sweden have certainly impressed in the qualifying, on both sides of the pitch. They’ve only conceded one goal, showing that dogged defensive strength that is a trademark of Swedish soccer. Up front they’ve banged in eight, with six different players recording goals. That doesn’t bode well for any opposition trying to isolate attackers; anyone in yellow over the halfway line is dangerous and they’re most important player hasn’t even scored. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd has two assists, five big chances created and thirteen key passes completed. She’s a one-woman wrecking crew, and if she has a big game England are toast.

Let’s be candid: England was rancid in their opening match vs. France. The good news is they got over it. Epic beatdowns against the Netherlands (welcome) and Wales (expected) followed and they are coming into this match on some momentum. Offensively, England have eight players who have scored and a devastating attack can come from anywhere. But it’s likely going to touch the foot of Lauren James before it strikes the net. Her creativity and unpredictability will be key to breaking down the Swedish defense. In the backfield, Alex Greenwood will have her hands full managing Kaneryd.

Zooey’s call: I have to be honest, of all the games I do not have a clear winner in my mind. I think this will be the best game of the competition so far. But if pressed I will pick England to win 3 – 2. And it will go into extra time.