After the first match day of the 2022 UEFA Women’s European Championships, each team has now had its chance to prove its worth. Going into the tournament, as many as seven teams were considered genuine championship contenders. Some have hit the ground running while others have stumbled. With two games left before the knockout rounds, we have chosen the best teams so far.
Best Teams After Women's Euros Match Day 1
Germany
The Germans entered the Euros perhaps as a forgotten favorite. While absolutely recognized as a talented squad, many looked elsewhere when picking winners. Undeterred, the Germans demolished Denmark 4-0 as four different women contributed to the scoresheet.
Eight-time European champions Germany demonstrate their pedigree with a stylish dismantling of Denmark. #GER | #DEN | #WEURO2022 pic.twitter.com/GSwP4nYz18
— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) July 8, 2022
Free-flowing possession and a willingness to shoot meant Germany was simply on another level compared to its Danish opponent. They were thorough and ruthless as they dismantled the opposition on every front.
What a goal by Germany! Total domination over Denmark pic.twitter.com/09A3k3RHyD
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 8, 2022
Defensively, they are one of two sides yet to concede alongside England, although the Germans won their contest in a much more convincing fashion. Germany’s next test will be against an invigorated Spain on Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET.
Spain
The other star of group B, Spain had not one, but two nightmares before a ball had even been kicked. Initially losing all-time top scorer Jenni Hermoso to a knee injury, Spain’s problem was compounded when it was confirmed Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas had torn her ACL days before the tournament was set to begin.
Alexia Putellas will watch Spain’s first match vs Finland on Friday before travelling back to Barcelona on Saturday to have surgery on her ACL.
— Barça Femení (@BarcaFem) July 7, 2022
The nightmare looked set to only be getting worse as Finland took the lead 48 seconds into their opening match. The Spaniards dug deep, showing their class and depth as they kept their composure scoring four unanswered goals to win 4-1.
Spain has turned this ship around!!!
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) July 8, 2022
Even without its hero Alexia pulling the strings in midfield, Spain looked in control: 77 percent possession, over 650 completed passes and 32 shots to Finland’s four were indicative of the strength of the Spain squad. Match Day 2 sees Spain take on Germany on Tuesday.
France
The French came into the Euros with many talented players, a point to prove and crucially, rumors of a coup going on behind the scenes. When it came time to play, however, they seemed incapable of inadequacy, humiliating the Italians by scoring five goals, all in the first half. Midfielder Grace Geyoro bagged a hat trick while Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored her first goal of the tournament.
Grace Geyoro just threw down a goal scoring clinic on her 50th appearance for France. The PSG baller scored a first-half hat-trick to help her side beat Italy 5-1. GG8 is now the first player in Women’s Euros history to score three goals in the first 45 minutes of a game. pic.twitter.com/lWSmXLnQhr
— VERSUS (@vsrsus) July 10, 2022
Italy did get one back in the second half, but it was merely a consolation. The French played to perfection, and other teams need to take notice. The only thing that can stop France, it seems, is itself.
imagine how good France would be if they liked each other
— Jonathan Liew (@jonathanliew) July 10, 2022
If they are able to keep the unit intact, France has every chance of making a deep run in the tournament and maybe even bringing the silverware back to Paris. Their second group-stage game is against neighbor Belgium on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET.
