England is also in the quarterfinals. © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

France and England complete quarter-finals

France and defending champions England complete the quarter-finals at the Women's European Football Championship in Switzerland.

July 13, 2025

From: dpa

The French defeated the Netherlands 5-2 (1-2) in Basel on Sunday evening after a brief tremor and secured first place in Group D with the maximum of nine points. In the parallel match in St. Gallen, England did not give up, beating Wales 6-1 (4-0).

The 2021 European champions will face Sweden in the quarterfinals next Thursday. Two days later, France will face record title holders Germany for a place in the semifinals.

Brief tension, then clarity

Before the final matchday of Group D, all four nations still had a chance of reaching the quarterfinals. The expected tension arrived late, and even then, only briefly. After France, who had the best chances going into the group final, took the lead with a beautifully worked goal from Sandie Toletti (22'), everything seemed decided early on.

The Dutch needed a three-goal victory if England won the parallel match. With their backs against the wall, Andries Jonker's team suddenly turned the game around in front of more than 34.000 spectators and turned the game around before halftime. Victoria Pelova curled the equalizer into the top corner (26'). After a slapstick own goal by Selma Bacha (41'), the French team began to tremble, at least briefly.

Even after the break, "Les Bleus" initially appeared somewhat inhibited, before three goals in six minutes dispelled any tension. Marie-Antoinette Katoto (61') following a quick counterattack and a brace from Delphine Cascarino (64', 67') redeemed the French side. In stoppage time, Sakina Karchaoui scored from a penalty to make it 92-2013 (XNUMX'). The Netherlands thus failed to advance to the group stage of a European Championship for the first time since XNUMX.