Football 84

world going into the tournament.

Hosts Netherlands were another team on the up, winning all of their Group A matches. Denmark joined the Dutch in the quarter-finals while the traditionally strong Norwegians flopped, losing all three games.

Germany and Sweden progressed from Group B as expected, while Austria topped Group C thanks to crucial strikes from Nina Burger in wins over Switzerland and Iceland. France made it through as runners-up but were lacklustre – their only win coming via a late Eugénie Le Sommer penalty against Iceland.

Scotland’s Euro debut was the stuff of nightmares as England beat them 6–0 in Utrecht – Jodie Taylor hitting a hat-trick. England went on to achieve maximum points, but the battle for second spot went to the last seconds, Caroline Weir’s goal not quite enough for Scotland to overtake Spain.

Theresa Eslund’s late goal caused the shock of the quarterfinals as Denmark beat serial winners Germany 2–1. The Netherlands displayed the best of their attacking talents in a 2–0 win over Sweden, the goals coming from Lieke Martens and Vivianne Miedema. Austria beat Spain on penalties, while Jodie Taylor’s fifth goal of the tournament was enough for England to overcome France.

Stina Lykke Borg was Denmark’s penalty-saving heroine in their semi-final shoot-out win against Austria, following a goalless draw. The Netherlands were far more decisive in their last four game against England and an early goal from Miedema, who had just agreed a move to Arsenal, set them on their way. Daniëlle van de Donk – who was already at Arsenal – made it 2–0. Millie Bright’s own goal capped England’s misery.

Nadia Nadim gave Denmark an early advantage from the penalty spot in the final, which was played in Enschede. Miedema quickly replied and then Martens added a second for the Dutch. Pernille Harder than made it 2–2 to bring a breathless first half to a close. Sherida Spitse restored the Netherlands’ lead and Miedema’s late second made sure of their first major trophy.

EURO 2017

Winners:

NETHERLANDS

Runners-up:

DENMARK

Third:

AUSTRIA AND ENGLAND

(NO THIRD-PLACE PLAY-OFF) Top scorer:

JODIE TAYLOR (5)