Kick-off of UEFA Women's Euro Championships takes place in Switzerland
The Women's Euro 2025 tournament has officially begun, with sixteen teams competing across eight cities in a bid to claim the coveted title. The final match will be held at St. Jakob-Park, Switzerland's largest stadium, in Basel on July 27.
The tournament has seen a significant rise in the number of teams led by women coaches, with seven of the 16 teams now under female leadership, marking a sharp increase from earlier tournaments. This shift reflects the growing influence of women in the sport, both on and off the pitch.
The opening match saw Norway defeat Switzerland 2-1, with Ada Hegerberg and a Julia Stierli own goal securing the win for Norway. The goal that put Switzerland ahead was scored by Nadine Riesen in the 28th minute.
Iceland and Finland opened the competition in the town of Thun, with Finland emerging victorious in a 1-0 win, thanks to Katariina Kosola's goal in the 70th minute.
As the tournament progresses, several teams are being tipped as favourites to take home the title. Spain, the reigning world champions and UEFA Nations League winners, are the clear favourites with odds of 7/4 and a 24.6% chance of winning according to the Opta Supercomputer. Their strong squad, including star midfielder Alexia Putellas, makes them the team to beat in Switzerland.
England, the defending champions, also feature prominently with odds of 47/10 and a 16.4% chance to win. They reached their first-ever Women's World Cup final recently and are expected to be strong contenders again.
Germany, with eight European Championship titles to their name, remain a powerful team with a young and growing squad. They have odds of 5/1 and a 14.0% chance of victory, making them a formidable force in the tournament.
France, who have reached the UEFA Nations League final and possess a talented squad, are also rising as contenders with odds of 6/1 and a 15.5% chance to win.
Sweden and the Netherlands are considered notable challengers, with Sweden's strong tradition in the tournament and the Netherlands' young, talented team making them teams to watch.
As the tournament progresses, it promises to be an exciting and closely contested event. With cooling breaks in place due to the heat wave and relaxed stadium security rules allowing fans to bring in half-liter water bottles, spectators can look forward to a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
With the top teams battling it out for the title, the Women's Euro 2025 is set to be a thrilling spectacle of women's football at its finest.
The international sporting event, the Women's Euro 2025, is not only being played across Europe but also showcases the rising influence of women in football, with several teams led by female coaches. As the tournament unfolds, teams like Spain, England, Germany, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands are being considered as strong contenders, reflecting the high level of competitiveness in European leagues and the world of women's football. Fans are eagerly anticipating this exciting and closely contested event, with relaxed stadium rules allowing them to bring in water for a comfortable viewing experience.
