Spain’s fireworks and Portugal’s Euro 2025 lifeline – Women’s Football Weekly

8 Jul 2025 · 1 h 2 min · 27 chapters

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In short

Women’s Euro 2025 group-stage action review and previews, focusing on Spain’s dominant scoring form, Portugal’s survival vs Italy, Norway and Switzerland qualifying scenarios, plus must-win England and Wales matches.

Guests (backgrounds)

Faye Carruthers (host/journalist). Susie Rack (journalist based in Switzerland, covers women’s football). Robin Cowan (journalist/commentator). Alex Ibaseta (journalist). They discuss tactics and tournament context from live coverage.

Key claims

  • Spain are “favourites” after 6-2 vs Belgium and 11 goals in two games; they’re thrilling but can concede due to defensive frailties.
  • Portugal’s 1-1 Italy draw keeps them alive: late equaliser, VAR drama, and a red card that didn’t swing it for Italy.
  • Norway qualify but are “not very convincing,” relying on Caroline Graham Hansen moments.
  • Switzerland look well-organised and benefit from strong home crowds; Iceland are knocked out.
  • England and Wales face must-win games; England’s camp is determined to “put things right.”

Notable examples

  • Spain scorers: Alexia (2), Irina Paredes, Esther Gonzalez, Mariona Caldente, Claudia Pina; Belgium goals by Justine Van Hieberma and Hannah Eurlings.
  • Italy vs Portugal: Cristiano Giurelli opener; Diana Gomez equaliser at 89th minute; three disallowed goals; one red card.
  • Norway vs Finland: Eva Nystrom own goal, Una Savenius equaliser, Caroline Graham Hansen winner.

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

Tap a time to open that second in VO

Panel Introduction

1:12 to 2:03

Introduction of the panelists and their experiences at the tournament.

“Hello, I'm Faye Carruthers and welcome to the Guardian Women's Football Weekly.”

Spain's Dominance

2:03 to 3:58

Discussion on Spain's impressive match against Belgium and their performance in the tournament.

“Some bleary-eyed journalists based out in Switzerland right now.”

Match Highlights

3:58 to 5:58

Highlights from the Spain vs Belgium match, including goal scorers and defensive issues.

“One crazy goal fest and one that served up all of the drama.”

Spain's Key Players

5:58 to 8:07

An analysis of key players like Alexia and Patri Gaiaro and their impact on Spain's success.

Belgium's Performance

8:07 to 9:51

Evaluation of Belgium's performance and their challenges in the tournament.

“She's going to get all the plaudits, shaping up to become a Ballon d 'Or favourite already.”

Looking Ahead for Belgium

9:51 to 12:33

Discussion on Belgium's potential and their upcoming challenges in the tournament.

“So Padre actually receives a ball quite high which allows Alexia and Aitana to go either outside with the wingers or them to go up with the strikers.”

Spain's Next Steps

12:33 to 14:00

Discussion on how Spain should prepare for their final group match against Italy.

“Probably not much ultimately, because being out of the Euros is just, you know, going to hurt more than, you know, the sort of two goals and the beauty of the second one.”

Spain vs Italy: Tactical Insights

14:00 to 17:02

An analysis of Spain's approach against Italy and Italy's struggles in the tournament.

“How do Spain go about approaching their final game against Italy, Alex?”

Portugal's Dramatic Draw Against Italy

17:02 to 18:32

A recap of the thrilling match between Portugal and Italy, including goals and key moments.

“Diana Gomez struck with a minute to play, cancelling out Cristiano Giurelli's superb opener.”

Portugal's Resilience and Key Players

18:32 to 20:28

Discussion on Portugal's performance, key players, and the impact of their goalkeeper.

“I mean, look, they had shipped 25 goals in five matches before this one.”
Show all 27 chapters

Looking Ahead: Portugal's Final Group Game

20:28 to 24:00

Analyzing Portugal's chances in their upcoming match against Belgium and potential outcomes.

“Because I mean, that final 10 minutes plus stoppage time, Deanna Silva thought she'd scored in the 80th minute, but there was that lengthy VAR check to rule it out for offside.”

Norway's Performance Under Scrutiny

24:00 to 28:00

Critique of Norway's lackluster performance and potential issues within the team dynamics.

“But yeah, I think Portugal can definitely go into this last game and be confident.”

Analyzing Caroline Graham Hansen's Impact

28:00 to 30:10

Learn how Caroline Graham Hansen's skills and frustrations shape Norway's team dynamics.

“And Villa Bori said that also, Ingrid Engel in the midfield, and you just look at that and you're just like, what is, why?”

Finland's Surprising Performance

30:10 to 32:20

Discover how Finland is performing against expectations in the tournament.

“Finland have perhaps been the surprise package in the tournament so far, Robin.”

Switzerland's Tournament Journey

32:20 to 34:20

Explore Switzerland's organization and potential as they progress in the tournament.

“they look really bright going forward Geraldine Rutella at the heart of it once again how did they get the job done in this one Susie?”

Iceland's Struggles and Future

34:20 to 36:20

Understand the challenges facing Iceland's national team and their future in women's football.

“It's the sad reality of, you know, going through a cycle and having to start again.”

Swiss Crowds and Women's Football Growth

36:20 to 40:00

Examine the impact of Swiss crowds on the development of women's football in the country.

“And we got this email in from Jim Hearson.”

Cheese Debate: Fondue vs. Raclette

40:00 to 42:04

Engage in a lighthearted discussion about fondue and raclette, revealing cultural preferences.

Group A Match Preview

42:04 to 42:46

Analysis of the upcoming matches in Group A, focusing on Switzerland and Iceland.

England and Wales Must-Win Matches

44:16 to 46:56

Discussion on England and Wales' performance expectations in upcoming crucial matches.

“So England and Wales face must-win encounters on Wednesday.”

Key Players and Pressure Dynamics

46:56 to 49:50

Exploration of player experiences and the pressure faced by the England team.

“is not what this England team are used to being under.”

Netherlands' Strengths and Young Talent

49:50 to 52:15

Analyzing the Netherlands team, focusing on their key players and team balance.

“I think she has struggled to kind of get back to that enjoyment of, you know, just letting herself go and playing that.”

Weather Impact and Game Strategy

52:15 to 53:47

Discussing the weather conditions and their potential impact on gameplay for upcoming matches.

“We need Tom Gary, our meteorologist on the pod.”

Wales' Challenge Against France

53:47 to 56:00

Preview of Wales' match against France, focusing on their strategies and challenges.

“talk about wales uh another tough encounter for them they take on france and singallen uh just fishlock full of fighting talk when speaking to the BBC this week.”

France's Cohesion and Impressive Play

56:00 to 1:00:15

Exploring the strengths and balance of the French national team in the tournament.

“I think, yeah, you just got to take it almost sort of, yeah, 10 minute, 15 minute blocks and see where you are.”

Women's Africa Cup of Nations Update

1:00:15 to 1:02:10

Latest updates from the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, including match results.

“Those times are British summertime, by the way.”

Transfer News and Future Matches

1:02:10 to 1:03:44

Discussing recent player transfers and upcoming match previews in women's football.

“I can't believe a Spanish journalist has said that France are now favourites.”
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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:00This is The Guardian.

0:30Suzy Wrack:slash WashingtonWise.

1:00Suzy Wrack:Visit BestWestern.com for complete terms and conditions.

1:12Hello, I'm Faye Carruthers and welcome to the Guardian Women's Football Weekly. Scintillating Spain show exactly why they're favourites for Euro 2025. Five goals in the first match, six in their second against Belgium. Watch out, Italy. They are after seven. Speaking of Italy, there was Dramarama in Geneva in a crazy game, with Portugal's late equaliser setting up a tense finish to Group B. Norway's star-studded line-up finally do the business, becoming the first team through to the quarterfinals. Iceland hit an iceberg, though, and are the First Nation knocked out of the tournament. Host Switzerland sent them packing, setting up a straight shootout with Finland.

1:49We'll preview England and Wales' must-win matches on Wednesday night, update you on WAFCon and some transfer news, Plus we'll take your questions. And that's today's Guardian Women's Football Weekly.

2:03Wow, what a panel we have today. Some bleary-eyed journalists based out in Switzerland right now. Susie Rack, how are you doing? How was your fondue?

2:12Suzy Wrack:Alive. The fondue was brilliant though. Really good. We went for their traditional one. It was very tasty. Okay. There's a question later on in the pod that, you know, I'm going to need your expertise on. Robin Cowan, it is lovely to see you. How are you doing out there? I'm already on my second cup of tea. I wanted a third, but I've managed, I'm going to pace myself a little bit. It's, yeah, it's pretty exhausting. I want to say thank you to Beth for pointing out the difficulties of being with your family and without your family. I'm with mine. But yeah, both is a challenge. Yes, I've experienced both.

2:51And I can agree, a challenge. You also have two. That is tricky. so well done you and I have to say I did award you I'm not sure if you heard the other day I awarded you with the best commentary line so far of the tournament with wonky numbers which had me chuckling I'm very easily pleased cannot say what I wanted to say on air which which was a swear word and stupid because it was really it was so annoying you had to commentate on them I mean it's almost as bad as Stoke with the Stripes you know West Brom terrible Come on, Norway, sort it out. Alex Ibaseta, it is lovely to see you. You must be absolutely cock-a-hoop at the minute watching your team.

3:34It's not been too bad. Plenty of goals, plenty of reasons to be excited. So I can't say I'm having a bad time at the moment. No, I bet you're not. We've all predicted Spain to win. And actually, that is where we're going to start, because I know that we normally go chronologically here on the Guardian Women's Football Weekly. But bearing in mind, we've all tipped your country to win the title. Let's kick things off with Monday night's games in Group B because we were in for a treat. One crazy goal fest and one that served up all of the drama. So we'll start off in tune where Spain knew a win would put them in a good position to qualify for the quarterfinals.

4:11And it finished Spain 6, Belgium 2. Now then, please don't judge my Spanish pronunciations on this. I should probably get you to list all of the goal scorers. Alex that would be much better or Robin obviously I think for the entertainment I think we should just leave it for you Oh no please don't OK two goals for Alexia Goals from Irina Paredes Esther Gonzalez Mariona Caldente and Claudia Pina OK Not too bad That was good Belgium's goals came from Justine Van Hieberma and Hannah Eurlings as well Italy failed to beat Portugal later on so it meant that Spain qualified for the knockouts with a game to spare and it was a game that served up some of the best attacking play but also some of the worst defending the tournament has seen so far and there have been some interesting defences.

5:00Both teams arguably could and should have scored more goals. What are your reflections on the game as a whole, Susie?

5:08Suzy Wrack:Yeah, that's a pretty good summary to be fair. I think Alexia's two goals in particular were just so nicely worked and that first one, I watched it back and I watched it back again and I watched it back again. And like the movement of Spain for it is just so wonderful, that quick passing, those short passes. But Belgium are literally stood still almost. They're literally too scared to put a foot in or try and make the tackle. I mean, I know against Spain that's like an incredible ask to try and actually get the ball away from the feet of any of those forwards. But you've got to try at some point because it was, they were watching pinball around them like they were the little posts in the pinball machine just literally watching it ping past and that is I think where it fell apart for them because you know they they looked dangerous on the break when they did you know have those chances the second goal was absolutely stunning Belgium second that is but their defensive performance I mean you know it's Belgium it's Spain so like you know you've got to give them a little bit of leeway for the sort of quality they're up against and the gap in quality and player pool etc between the two sides is just huge they gave a good account of themselves considering but yeah I mean all of the goals Claudio Pina's goal was just you know really cherry on the top stuff and then Proteus's little sort of clip backwards at the end as well just yeah I mean it's delectable and it's terrifying that you know we were sort of saying at the start of this tournament oh you know who's going to win the golden boot well Spain they'll have you know a lot of different goal scorers so they probably won't have the golden boot in winner in there and then they score that many goals that you're just like actually like I mean they're probably gonna take golden boot silver boot and bronze boot at this stage right like uh it helps they've got the kinder side of the draw too in that they're facing these kind of this level of teams and are able to sort of build momentum into the tournament but but yeah they just they just look absolutely thrilling at the moment but not unbeatable as well because you know obviously they can concede and we know that but a force to be reckoned with going forward Robin for sure six points 11 goals after just two matches but you know let's let's talk about how they can be got at if you like because those defensive frailties were on show throughout that that performance yeah I mean we can try and hold on to that can't we but I think it's just oh okay we'll just score some more you know I think actually yeah I mean they played a high line i mean the the um the belgium goal that was set up by woolard was brilliant that through ball um and they did have another one ruled out but it just feels like okay we'll just score some more um and yeah it looked like they were just it was it was like watching a five or so i'm you know it just was an instant of my you know i used to play your sort of five aside tournaments and you know suddenly this team with a kind of all the kit and the kind of official uh badge and their initials turned up you went oh god we're in for one here and you just got absolutely battered it was just like that and they were not even breaking a sweat um and yeah they're scoring from set pieces as well come on now just give us something it's it yeah no they're it's scary and I read Sid Lowe's brilliant interview with Alexia before and and I messaged him saying okay I'm scared of her again um she sounded so defiant and focused and ready and totally over um the sort of issues the sort of um the injury issues that affected her mental health as well and yeah she just looks back to her best and even more mature and experienced so yeah Yeah, frining, frining.

8:59Yeah, and she certainly did, Alex. She's going to get all the plaudits, shaping up to become a Ballon d 'Or favourite already. But behind her, Patri Gaiaro. You know, how brilliant is she? How good was she in this match? And how important is she in making Spain tick? Yeah, here we have a saying that when Patri Gaiaro plays well, the team plays well. And that's just how it is. She's an absolute working machine, offensively defensively when the ball is going through her in a match that's when you know the fluidity is there it's just it's it's one plus one essentially when she plays well that everyone plays well she's such an important player in terms of being able to liberate kind of Alexia and whoever's in front of her to allow them to go higher up the pitch because she's she's a six but she doesn't drop as deep to receive the ball a lot of the time because it's both I mean both Barcelona and Spain's centre-backs are able to kind of push up the pitch to kind of close down the gap between the back line and the attacking line.

10:04So Padre actually receives a ball quite high which allows Alexia and Aitana to go either outside with the wingers or them to go up with the strikers. So her positioning and her movement of the ball is just absolute key to be able to kind of give everyone else the space that they need to start the attack and it's kind of ridiculous is to say that you know so many players rely on one one player um and it's not true at the same time because we know spain are so agile in every single position every single player is able to do an important part but battery is such a key key part of everything and you know again i'm actually quite happy we're talking about her because usually we don't talk about her because she's kind of she does all the dirty work in terms of recoveries in terms of you know starting everything everything starts after her essentially but actually yesterday in Alexia's first goal it was you know Mariona gave it to Patry Patry did a ridiculously good um like kind of reverse sideways pass which is a lot harder than it seems because you have to shift your entire body weight to make the ball go through and she just cut between two Belgium uh defenders to give Vicky a perfect ball to start that attack that led to the Alexia goal so yeah she's she's a player that But when she plays well, the team plays well, because she's probably one of the key, key positions and players in the entire team.

11:26Yeah, I do think we have to give those kind of players the plaudits they deserve because the front line always get the stars, don't they? And by the way, the way that I said Patrick Guajara and the way you said it sounded like two completely different players. I didn't do Spanish at school, it was quite evident. To be fair, that last name was quite, when you read it, it's like you panic. Yes, yes. It's like the G and the J and the UI and it's just, it's not the easiest one. The advice I was always given when I first started out in broadcasting was say it confidently, say it fast. Nobody notices.

12:04Not quite sure. Belgian manager Elisabeth Gunners-Dottier said it wasn't an easy game for Spain. Everything I looked for and wanted from my players, I saw. It wasn't enough, though. And that's something we have to build on. And obviously that later result, Susie dumped them out of the tournament with a game to spare, which is really disappointing for them because actually I think they probably have more. But how much are they going to take away from the fact that they challenged Spain and made it hard for them?

12:33Suzy Wrack:Probably not much ultimately, because being out of the Euros is just, you know, going to hurt more than, you know, the sort of two goals and the beauty of the second one. but I mean they've they had a chance in this group of getting through it you know because outside Spain the rest of those teams are fairly well balanced I would say in in sort of level so I think that will be the most frustrating thing is that there was a chance and they you know they've had some decent results this year they only lost to Spain 3-2 was it in the Nations League back in February. They beat England 3-2 in April.

13:15Suzy Wrack:So they've had a decent set of results in the build-up to this tournament. Some heavy losses as well. The reverse fixture against England was 5-0, but given the gap between them, that's to be expected. So I think they will be extremely frustrated that they've not taken more from this. They've got a statement to make really in the last game in terms of their worth and just a little bit of face saving. Going away with no points is not what any situation any team wants to be in and they've got some decent players in that side. So there'll be minimal, minimal consolation in the fact that they were able to get two past Spain when you concede six.

13:59Suzy Wrack:But yeah, a disappointing tournament. How do Spain go about approaching their final game against Italy, Alex? I mean, they're going to want to top the group with tougher opponents on the horizon aren't they yeah definitely I think it is is right to say that Belgium kind of did everything well I think the manager could be happy at the end you know as good as you are defending defending for 90 minutes for any team no matter what players you have is a big ask especially against a team like Spain who are just relentless on the attack um essentially you saw the first half and it was just Spain kind of tiring them out and Belgium being able to kind of hold up.

14:36Second half was just Belgium, you know, being tired. And essentially, you know, it is what it is. They are human. So when you look at that and you kind of look at a side like Italy who have a lot more experience in terms of big players and big occasions and big games that could potentially hold it up a lot more than Belgium. But at the same time, they have been struggling this tournament a lot. I think their first two matches have been a bit disappointing, considering the quality of the players that they have on the pitch, the style of play that they try to play. You know, Italy is known for defensive style play.

15:12I think the players that Italy have on the squad are quite the opposite, though they are good defensively. They're quite an attacking team. They're quite an offensive team, which is quite impressive for Italy's side, just historically of Italian football. So I think Italy is going to be a good challenge. I don't think they're going to be the challenge that everyone expects because they have been a bit disappointing. But at the same time, it's a different style of play. It's a play that's going to be, I think, a lot more open than Portugal and Belgium have been, just because Italy have a lot more confidence to go forwards and know they have a lot better quality individually than Portugal and Belgium to be able to get something from the attack.

15:49Aerial duels are going to be important as well. I mean, when you go up against, I'm not going to even try to pronounce her name from the top of my head, the Belgian player she's tall she's soaring as good as Patria Jaro defended her she's going to win that ball no matter what and Italy has those players as well that are good in aerial duels that are tall that are strong so that's going to be an interesting challenge as well but yeah I think Spain at the end what we've said as much as they show their defensive weaknesses and the weaknesses that they have in key positions on the pitch they just keep outscoring whatever goes wrong It's going to be fascinating to watch hopefully another fun game as well, exactly, unless you were writing it up like poor producer Soph, who had to just keep ripping up her pages and starting all over again.

16:34In Geneva, the high stakes game in the group between Italy and Portugal, and Italy knew that victory was going to take them through to the knockouts. Portugal, though, knew if they lost, it was all over. And the game certainly delivered in terms of its drama. Three disallowed goals, one red card, huge saves, hitting the woodwork, Cagalazzo and an 89th minute strike keeping Portugal in the tournament. It finished Portugal 1, Italy 1. Diana Gomez struck with a minute to play, cancelling out Cristiano Giurelli's superb opener. And a late red card for Ana Borges reduced Portugal to 10, but Italy just couldn't take advantage of their extra player.

17:15Was it the game of the tournament for you so far, Robin? You didn't have to write it up yeah no for me yeah I think Sophie is obviously she's still um yeah dealing with the trauma traumatized yes but no it was it was brilliant brilliant chaos wasn't it um especially towards the end and I'm really pleased for Portugal because that first game against Spain I mean the context of it I can't imagine how they must have felt you know with Diogo Jota knew, sort of very fresh in the mind and all that. And, you know, it's just such, you know, it shocks everyone. And I'm sure a lot of them knew him sort of personally.

17:55And then to face Spain, I mean, that's really, in terms of circumstances, preparing for that game, you know, they were up against it, to say the least. So I'm really pleased they managed to keep their tournament alive. And yeah, I mean, I know they replaced the goalkeeper, didn't they? Patricia Morais came in. And yeah, gosh, she was enjoying herself, wasn't she? She was celebrating the saves. And I saw a clip on social media at full time with her celebrating with the fans yelling into a megaphone. I mean, this is what we want to see, isn't it? These are the scenes we want to see. Brilliant. Just great.

18:29Yeah. Great, great vibey game. I love that. That's the best description. Great vibey game. I mean, look, they had shipped 25 goals in five matches before this one. and Francisco Neto made so many changes, as Robin said. Patricia Moraes earning her 99th cap in goal, Anna Borges bringing her 186 caps of experience into the back line, although that experience did tip over a little bit. We'll discuss whether or not that was a red card, by the way. Their playmaker, Kika Nazareth as well, who we've spoken about a lot on the pod, appeared for the first time since that ankle injury she suffered in March.

19:08And the changes paid off, Susie.

19:10Suzy Wrack:oh yeah massively I think bringing Patricia Murray back in in particular was huge every time she made a save I was singing um that's amore in my head uh you know that little the e-all gif that the gif not meme that does the rounds every time you know that song comes up I just had that playing playing in my mind at all times I'll share it in the in our chat um but uh but yeah I thought like some absolutely incredible saves and she celebrated like you know like like they had scored every time she made one uh yeah like you you just can't underestimate uh the impact of having Kika back on the pitch from a morale point of view for the team like she's the you know the the talisman of of that side um and yeah it was maybe not as influential as she can be at times but like you know she's still returning so just having her on the pitch and having her involved is a huge boost for them.

20:09Suzy Wrack:But yeah, a huge turnaround given how many goals they conceded. And yeah, you do wonder why some of those more senior players kind of hadn't been played in sort of both the game against Spain, but also some of the warm-up games in the lead up a little bit more because their experience really paid off in this one. Yeah, definitely did. Because I mean, that final 10 minutes plus stoppage time, Deanna Silva thought she'd scored in the 80th minute, but there was that lengthy VAR check to rule it out for offside. And so many teams are folded in that situation and that experience exactly did help them through.

20:46They kept the pressure on Italy. This is what Francisco Neto had to say. We were solid, we were brave. We played high, pressed our opponents, played like a team in the European Championship. We're a team with personality and ambition. It's not easy when you're losing, then you score, but it's disallowed again and then you score again. I'm very proud and the last words I told my players was to play and to have fun. Playing in a European Championship is a privilege. They're friends. They want to do things for each other as a team. They really rise to the challenge. Could this be the moment, bearing in mind the way they earned that point, Alex, to kind of spark life into their campaign after a pretty difficult few months?

21:26Yeah, I think, obviously, considering that Belgium is sat at the bottom of the group with no points is going to be kind of a confidence boost, is kind of the one confidence boost that they can probably grasp considering how their campaign has gone so far. I mean, they're a team that has ups and downs. I think they've performed well when they played in the Nations League, when they played in the second division. They thrived against the smaller teams, but when you put them up against bigger teams, they struggle a lot. So they're kind of that in-between level now, just getting used to playing against big, big teams and being able to get some success out of them.

22:06I think their, you know, togetherness and how much they care for the same thing is kind of what gets them through a lot of the times. I think individually they have a really, really good quality. You know, the football style in Portugal is very similar to that of Spain. When you look at the foundation of the kind of football that the Portuguese players play, I think they've, as a national team, they struggled a lot to kind of find someone that can actually gel the team together in a very productive way to be able to compete against big teams and they continue to show that struggle but I think going up against Belgium in the last match knowing that there's still a possibility that they could get out of the group in terms of points they can equal Italy if Italy lose against Spain again it is down to the goal difference but when Italy are coming up against Spain you know you do you You can have the hope that Spain are going to score a lot of goals and kind of help you out with that.

22:59So I think Portugal are going to go into this last game with a lot of dreams, a lot of hope. And if the team do show up together on that day, I think they can actually get something out of Italy. Italy, you know, they're not a high-scoring team. They are, you know, a very key moment team. And we saw against Portugal now, Italy are, you know, I think they had like 14 attempts on goal and just one goal. so I think Portugal in that sense could kind of take something out of that and say that going up against Belgium, why not? Why can't we qualify? Why can't we qualify for the quarter-finals? We can get three points and we can kind of hope that Spain score enough goals and I think the togetherness and again, having, as Susie mentioned I think Kika is a key, key player for them as experience goes with Ana Borges and Jessica Silva you have these players with a lot of experience But when it comes to kind of morale and having that motivation to go through Kika playing in Barcelona has been a key for that as well with that winning mentality that a lot of these players don't necessarily have.

24:07But yeah, I think Portugal can definitely go into this last game and be confident. Yeah, well, Susie's confident in them. She's just posted, when you make a big save and your Euros are saved, that's amore. that's why she's the journalist she's the wordsmith here isn't she clever I had to sing it

24:27Suzy Wrack:I've rhymed save with saved so like let's not let's not let's not big up my skills I'm gonna I'm gonna put it up on Instagram beautiful so so you can see it Alex has just reminded me so I'm doing Spain Italy and that horrible word permutation usually I'm just I'm just concentrating on the game I'm doing but I reminded you know when you get to the third round of group games you have to know what's happening elsewhere don't you yeah and yellow cards I hate it yeah and I have to do maths you know I don't know maths in live direct do not like two plus two seven yeah you need to rely on your team for that uh Robin I need to delegate the maths yeah you can't do the maths while talking.

25:14That's too much juggling. Well, let me use that dreaded word, permutations. They mean that Spain are through, Belgium go home. So it is just that other match that's important in terms of who progresses to the quarterfinals. Italy need at least a draw over Spain in that final match. Portugal know that they've got to win it regardless to have a chance of reaching the quarterfinals. So Italy, Spain is 8 o 'clock in Bern on Friday. Portugal, Belgium, 8 o 'clock in Sion. We still haven't decided if it's Sion or Sion. Somebody tell me because I've said something different each time. Anyway, I shall find out from someone Swiss.

25:58Right, let's look to Group A. Second game's underway on Sunday night. And in the early kick-off, Norway put themselves on the brink of qualification with a 2-1 victory over Finland. Gemma Granger's side had the perfect start. They went ahead through an Eva Nystrom own goal just three minutes into the game. But Finland rallied impressively and equalised through Una Savenius. Caroline Graham Hansen's moment of magic broke Finnish hearts, though, making it two from two for Norway. And we spoke about the Norway conundrum last week, Susie, and in our preview pods as well. But, you know, they scraped to win again.

26:31What did you make of their performance this time?

26:33Suzy Wrack:not very convincing and very very very fortunate to be in this very very very kind group you know I fear for them in the knockouts um but you know there is the potential that they could build some momentum in this group that helps them in the knockouts but I'm not convinced so far you know I think they've only scored actually one goal themselves you know here it was an own goal early on and then Caroline Graham Hansen's cross essentially that that went in off the post it was a mishit cross wasn't it come on it's not are we saying a moment of magic really exactly yeah it's not it's not a strike it was uh it was fortunate and I think they've been pretty I think they're pretty fortunate against Switzerland as well um so yeah not very convincing I just don't I don't understand them.

27:26Suzy Wrack:I just don't understand how those players just cannot play together for some reason. It just blows my mind. It's one of the great mysteries of our time. Well, I mean, they could progress quite far with those players not being able to play with each other. And you know Caroline Graham-Hanson quite well, Alex. She missed that sitter before she found the equaliser. Also played a huge role in the opener. and what else does she bring to this Norwegian side? I think we need to dedicate an entire podcast episode to Caroline Graham Hansen, honestly. No, I think, yeah, to add on to what Susie says, it is just an absolute wonder at how Norway don't, you know, they could easily go the Spain method and outscore their defensive problems with the players they have, but it is kind of ridiculous when you think about the fact that they can't score goals when they have Caroline Graham Hansen, Friedemann and Gura Wright and Ada Hegelberg.

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28:23And Villa Bori said that also, Ingrid Engel in the midfield, and you just look at that and you're just like, what is, why? Why? Why? Big question mark over that. But I think Caroline Graham Hansen, you know, she is a player that gets really mad when things don't go, you know, fairly. She's an emotional player when it comes to fairness. And I think she's going to look at her team and she's like, why are we incapable of playing well when we have the players that we have? and she is definitely one that gets frustrated when it comes to that. I think the national team for her in general is just frustration because she knows that they could do a lot better, but they don't for whatever reason that may be.

29:04So in the games, she kind of puts her head down and when Carolyn Graham Hansen puts her head down, you know, things happen, things happen. And she is okay with kind of putting a lot of pressure on her back and getting it out and, you know, making those crosses, making those key plays that lead to a goal. And I think that for any team, having a player that is capable to change the game literally in just one moment. She does miss sitters, as we saw her do, but she is the player that reacts. If she messes up, she reacts. If she loses the ball, she reacts. If her team go down a goal, she reacts. And that mentality and effectiveness, I think a lot of players have that mentality, but the effectiveness not always kind of matches up to that mentality and that intention that a lot of players have.

29:50But Caroline Graham Hansen, she's such a quality player that her actions match her intentions. And you can see that in a team like Norway, when they do need a boost in those key moments because they're incapable of kind of producing those moments themselves as a team. Having a player like Caroline Graham Hansen is just a cheat code on a new team, really. Yeah. Finland have perhaps been the surprise package in the tournament so far, Robin. Marco Salaranta said, we played very well against very good opponents. I feel we should have got something out of the game. The result just doesn't feel fair, but all credit to Norway, of course.

30:23It's not fair, but well done. They dominated every single metric in the game, bar the one that mattered. You know, and this is a game of football. There is only one scoreline that matters. What have you made of them so far? I've been really impressed. Yeah, we thought they would be the team that were going to go out and, you know, I guess we get on to Iceland. they've been surprisingly knocked out early. But no, I was really impressed. Like they got varied sort of build up. They were sort of going long and then going short. And I guess it's just that lack of quality in the finish maybe for them.

31:02Pardon the fun. For Finland, eh? Not the only wordsmith I want to, Susie. So bad. That's bad, isn't it? Apologies. But yeah, no, I thought they played really well. They were easy on the eye and they scored a really good goal. And yeah, I can, I just, yeah, as the coach, you must be absolutely furious. You just think this is so unjust. But as you said, this is football. And yeah, it's just Norway. It's yeah. Going back to them. I know Tim Stillman was saying it just, they're just so baffling, aren't they? I'm really pleased for Gemma Granger, obviously, as the only English coach. I guess the difference is that they're continuing to not play very well, but they're now winning.

31:40So I guess that's, that's something. Progress. Yeah, I get that. They could be onto a real hiding at some point because it's out of possession. They just look really suspect. So, yeah, I mean, I guess good for them, but there's a reckoning coming. Yeah, it could be around the corner. However, they do take top spot and they are through to the quarterfinals. Well, because of what happened in the late kickoff, which was Switzerland beating Iceland. so the hosts moved to Bern and delighted their support earning their first victory of the tournament a 2-0 win over Iceland massive for Pia Suntag's side they look really bright going forward Geraldine Rutella at the heart of it once again how did they get the job done in this one Susie?

32:30Suzy Wrack:Yeah just like the really well organised side I was really impressed with them in the opening game I was really impressed with them again Leo Waltz has been brilliant in sort of controlling the game and the pace of it from midfield and yeah they show like I would say really good potential going into the knockouts like for me they've been far more convincing than Norway despite having lost to them. Iman Beni I think looks absolutely brilliant has obviously joined Man City and that's like a really exciting thing she's only 18 years old got a lot of things to be quite excited about in her sort of arrival on the European stage in this way but they yeah I'd like I don't know what he has done to sort of get them this well put together in a relatively short play space of time because prior to the tournament beginning they you know the results have been a little bit up and down there've been a few questions asked the sheen of like their you know world-class manager you know sort of coaching the the Euros host had gone a little bit domestically so yeah it's it's it's really good and uh it's great for the tournament moving forward because the Swiss fans have been phenomenally good like I'm really enjoying their their vibe around these games and uh like the support for the team like you always say you know how much of an impact can a like a loud home crowd actually have on like results but I do think it is it is playing a little bit of a role in just elevating them that step further and maybe that's maybe that's the difference but maybe that's doing them a disservice as well as a team but everything has come together at the right moment for them and I think they look really really kind of well organized.

34:17Not quite the same for Iceland though Alex first side to get knocked out of the tournament and they're probably going to be sitting there feeling like they haven't had a chance to show their best really yeah definitely I think they've kind of been neutralized and the matches that they've played you know they still have big players but I think over the past few years the key players have kind of been either retiring or just not being able to to kind of keep up that momentum and Iceland you know they're not a footballing nation so you know if they do well it is going to be kind of unexpected sort of say and I think now yeah I think they're going into a new cycle when you have big players retiring and leaving and it's going to be interesting to see the future of Iceland football because they have produced really really good players that have played in big teams across Europe and yeah I think they're just they're just not been able to kind of capitalize on the things that they do well and not say that they're doing everything wrong because it's quite the opposite I think they've they've showed so what they're what they're good at and what they're bad at essentially but when they get in front of goal when they get those key moments they're just unable to capitalize and at the end you know we said it you know there's one one stat that matters when it comes to advancing through through football and it is scoring and they haven't been able to kind of necessarily get their head together to to produce those goals um and you know whether that be the players that are on the pitch or the manager or there's the system just this this tournament isn't theirs um they're not necessarily at the level to be able to compete and i think they know that as well.

35:51And, you know, it is what it is. It's the sad reality of, you know, going through a cycle and having to start again. But again, Iceland have always been, you know, there for all these major tournaments and that is respectable. But right now they're just not at a good moment. I think you could see that. Yeah, disappointing for them. But actually, let's talk about the Swiss crowds, Robin, because the hosts are always heavily supported. but seeing the stadia full and the extent of the fan marches in Switzerland has been brilliant. And we got this email in from Jim Hearson. Hello Faye Susie and friends.

36:25How important is it for the tournament and future development of the women's game in the country that Switzerland grasp the opportunity to make the next round? Hosts doing well, always boosts the competition, but it feels particularly vital in a place where women's football is still gaining traction. Keep up the good work, Jim. P.S. Faye, I think you were getting fondue mixed with raclette on Sunday's pod. The former is only for dipping into, while the latter is scraped onto a plate, usually with meat, pickles and potatoes. We will discuss the cheese in a second. Let's focus on the football first.

36:55Robin, what do you make of Jim's comments? Yeah, no, it's really important. I think actually Susie kind of answered this on the Guardian Football Weekly yesterday. A similar, you know, because Switzerland is, you know, it's still fledgling in women's football and the respect it has for it. I think it's going to do absolute wonders. You know, the league's still very much, I mean, not professional. I guess some of them are sort of semi-professional. But I think actually that for me, just because I don't really know the context as well. First of all, when I walk around where I've got an Airbnb with my family, everywhere, they are everywhere.

37:32I think they're advertising Lidl, that, you know, there are players, you know, and it's fantastic. So it's like, you know, back in England, you know, you go into a supermarket and there's Leah Williamson there. So I think this is great. But second of all, I think the way the Swiss are playing is getting the crowd on board. Quite surprisingly, Piers Suntaga, I don't think she's really known for attacking, reflowing football. She is playing these teenagers, like Susie mentioned, Benny, Schurtenleib, her assist, and then Wanderler as well, the assist. These are teenagers and they are performing on this stage and they look so, so exciting.

38:10and you can see, you know, afterwards they're going up to the crowd and interacting with them. These are real magic moments that we've experienced, haven't we, in England. So I think it can't really be underestimated just how important it is for them to keep going and to get through. And I just think from just watching them, from a point of view, I really hope they do because they are playing really entertaining football. So, yeah, I think I'd like to see more of them, basically. So, yeah, I think it's a great question. There's a journalist here in Spain, Sandra Kelme. She kind of summed up that feeling really perfectly when it comes to, especially us that we've been, you know, in the WOMS game for so, so long and you've seen the progress.

38:53And it's kind of when these major tournaments come round, you know, you can enjoy the matches, but at the same time in the back of your heads, you're kind of, you have this sort of pressure and sort of feeling of, you know, there's so many new people watching these games. there's so many new people kind of enjoying it and you watch a game thinking wow you know this is a game that newcomers are going to like and if the game goes bad you kind of feel you know a bit of frustration you're like no this isn't a representation of women's football this isn't a representation of this team it's not a representation of these players and it is nice to see Switzerland kind of live up to that pressure because if they were doing wrong and they were doing you know not playing well and not kind of showing the potential we would be frustrated because of that pressure of there's so many new people kind of watching Switzerland women's football in the tournament and you know they're living up to that and they're they're kind of bringing in those newcomers and we can kind of you know breathe and you're like yes you're doing the job that we hoped that you would do and the people are loving it and this is kind of what we want to see of course they were not actually frustrated because you know it's football when it happens but you do feel that pressure on them to kind of represent themselves as good as possible for for everyone to kind of see that and respect that yeah I'm now just going to dumb the conversation down and talk about cheese um because I'm very very disappointed if because I thought that you you dip bread into a fondue and I under I know because I've had it yeah that's what I but but Jim says not no he's saying you do he said I think you're getting fondue mixed with raclette yes the former the former is for dipping fondue is for dipping yeah but that's what I said that's why I said you risk losing your bread in the fondue I don't think you mentioned raclette

40:44Suzy Wrack:I thought you implied that you could either dip in would you be dipping into your fondue or or scraping it out putting it on top so I think that's what he's saying I was talking of the jeopardy of losing your bread in the which i ignored you know i ignored your your your the the gaping error in your in your like swish tea cheese because like i think like whilst recolette is probably delicious like i just don't like the look of it of like a plate of delicious looking food with then this like huge lump of melted cheese just dolloped on top it's weird whereas i much prefer the dip tasty yeah i bet it's delicious but it just looks weird i love a fondue for me it's difficult because i've got all these stupid allergies that make life very hard i have to almost have my i mean it's good thing i suppose i have to almost have my own fondue which i can't even have anymore unless they do vegan fondue because i now can't eat cheese but do not set me on the task of trying to find you a vegan fondue a vegan and gluten free so if i so if somebody else before i knew that i couldn't have cow's milk i i would struggle with a fondue because somebody would put normal bread into the fondue which would be a problem so that i'd have to scrape cheese out early you're like so that i'd dip it on my plate so it didn't you know i mean that's what i was trying to say but clearly very very wrong terminology used i think we should spend longer on this very very important topic it's much more important than the success of swiss football now we can go into the types of cheese also critical yes brilliant uh cheese to be continued um right next games in group a because uh that result that we were talking about feels like an age ago between switzerland and iceland a set up uh an all or nothing encounter between finland and switzerland in the final group game which is on thursday um so that's an eight o 'clock kickoff in geneva and Norway will play Iceland at eight o 'clock in Tund.

42:46Right, that's it for part one. In part two, we're going to have a look at how England and Wales are shaping up as they look to avoid an early exit from the tournament.

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44:15Welcome back to part two of the Guardian Women's Football Weekly. So England and Wales face must-win encounters on Wednesday. So let's look at how both of them are shaping up ahead of their second group matches. You were in the press conference, Susie, with Georgia Stanway ahead of the Netherlands game. What sense did you get of the mood in the camp?

44:36Suzy Wrack:Well, I just love Georgia. I mean, like literally at the end of the press conference, we all just sat there going, she's just so brilliant she's just so good I just love her so much she's just so like honest and um you know she doesn't back away from any question and she speaks so well um and yeah yeah I mean she was really honest about her own performance that she didn't think it was good enough that um she was disappointed in it that she tried to compensate for the things she was doing wrong with the things that she knew she could control which was like running and getting tackles in and things like that and like trying to communicate that that she was still working her socks off and could do something off the ball even if she couldn't do something on the ball and like she's just so um so good uh in terms of the vibe in camp like they're just it really up for it like is the vibe like lots of talk um she said that you know had lots of discussions about sort of going back to their roots and being proper England and playing for the little girl that wanted to be there and that kind of stuff.

45:43Suzy Wrack:And it was all like clear that they had a lot of sort of reflection on the game to a point Georgia literally sort of first thing she said in the press conference was I didn't really want to do this press conference today I'm fed up of talking I just want to focus on putting things right on the grass like there's a real determination to like right that wrong and I think Lucy Bronze played a big part of it she actually said it before the game when I asked when we sat down with her about the fact that they'd had slow starts in winning starts but slow starts against Austria and against Haiti and the Euros and the World Cup you know they weren't very convincing performances but they got the wins but the quality of the opponent meant that was okay and she said we lost to France in the opening game in 2015 and then we went on to have our best ever finish in a tournament at that time so Although, you know, Georgia was saying that Lucy had had that conversation with them as a group.

46:35Suzy Wrack:And, you know, this isn't the end, essentially. So, I mean, yeah, who knows what happens against the Netherlands on Wednesday night. But they are really up for it. And I think really frustrated that so many of them had a bad day at the same time. Yeah. What's going to be really fascinating, Robin, you know, because this kind of pressure, is not what this England team are used to being under. You know, the kind of jeopardy of your, you know, potentially about to go out. Is there a danger that that determination could actually spill over into trying too hard and that they put so much pressure on themselves walking out against the Netherlands that, you know, it's almost too much?

47:26How have they got to balance that and what have they got to do to improve? That's a really good point, actually, yeah. But I think there's enough experience in there. I know there's been a lot of noise about the experience that they don't have, but there's a lot of experienced players in there still who've had a lot of major tournament experience and there has been a bit of jeopardy. Lucy Bronze was talking about they lost to France in 2015, didn't they? And that ended OK with a bronze medal at the World Cup. So, you know, there are players there. I think it's also to do with how Serena Wiegmann responds.

48:05She's usually very, very good at being level-headed, although I think we were all a bit surprised by the scenes, you know, the cutaways to her on that first game. That was a bit jarring, actually, because we've not seen that before. But I trust her. And yeah, I think that's the thing. It is a bit concerning just for us as supporters and wanting to see them go through because, yeah, we haven't really seen this for a while, certainly under Serena Wiegmann. And this is a must win game. But I'm fairly confident they will respond. Because I don't, yes, a lot of the sort of criticism was sort of tactical.

48:43But it sounds like even from Georgia's Stan way, it was actually, we'll be better. We'll have more desire and we'll just be better. And if they're just better, just perform to their level, I think they'll be all right. You know, they'll be okay. I wish it was that easy.

49:02Suzy Wrack:The other thing she said is the game was really tight, right? And they still, they played really badly and they could have got a draw. So, you know, like that, they said they can take a lot from that as well. Yeah, obviously we're looking at it, Alex, from an England perspective. From a Netherlands point of view, they had a really strong opening performance against Wales. They know that a win is going to take them into the knockouts. Where do you see their main threats and what are they going to be looking out for from England? I think their main threat has been a very well-known Viviana Minema.

49:39You know, we know her really well from the W cell and she is such a key player and everything. And I think she's finally back to kind of just enjoying playing, you know, with her ACL injury and everything. I think she has struggled to kind of get back to that enjoyment of, you know, just letting herself go and playing that. And I think when Viviana Miedema is at that level, she is probably one of the most dangerous players in any given match against any given opponent. And you look at the Netherlands as a whole. And I think a lot of the players, the younger players particularly, that over the past few years have never been at the level of, you know, the more experienced players of Miedema, van der Donk, you know, these players that have been carrying the team.

50:27You have these young players finally being up to the level of the more experienced players. And the Netherlands have a balance that they've been struggling to find over the past few years, in my opinion. and you have on both sides of the pitch. Esme Bruch, for example, is a very young player and she scored that goal. Victoria Plova is finally inserting herself in a very dominant and strong matter into the national team. And you have this balance between veteran experience and young players finally having that confidence and ability to step up in these big moments. And that's probably a balance that a lot of national teams struggle to get a lot of the time is the balance between the young players and experienced players and have having that kind of effectiveness together and I think the Netherlands have finally reached you know that peak point uh with the players on the pitch and that's dangerous you know point final and maybe England haven't gotten to that point yet with the younger players kind of living up to the potential of the experienced players um as in potentially you know England have better youngsters than most teams but in terms of performance maybe you know that gel and that fluidity between the experienced players and younger players isn't there yet but I think Netherlands have finally reached that point and I think it's going to be a brilliant brilliant match um you know the balance again between the big players known players style of play I think is going to be is a really close one as well that's going to be quite interesting um you know England likes to you know play down the wing so does the Netherlands um so I think it's going to be head-to-head clash that's quite interesting but the Netherlands again they're they're at their peak at the moment I think with the players that they have and I think they do want to take advantage of that because four years later you know their experienced players you know potentially aren't going to be there in the next four years so I think you know that the older players are know that and want to kind of motivate everyone to you know this is it kind of kind of mentality I think Spain have that as well you know Alexia Potellas and everybody this aren't potentially won't be there in the next four years I think Alexia will but you know the players maybe not So that mentality that the Netherlands have is scary to go up against.

52:35Just a quick one on the weather, Susie. We need Tom Gary, our meteorologist on the pod. Is that going to play a factor at all? Five o 'clock kickoff, UK time. Obviously, the first game was in the evening, a little bit cooler. Is it still as oppressive, the heat, as it was last week? No, it's great. It's been raining.

52:57Suzy Wrack:I've never been so happy to see rain. Robin has her arms up in celebration. it's much much cooler i agree when the rain came on my knees doing a rain dance in the street i was like let's go buy an umbrella it's just the best and it's gonna rain tomorrow as well it's gonna like top temperature 21 degrees and then it starts to get hotter again towards the end of the week but it's not hitting at all for the next couple of weeks the sort of mid 30s that it was so we're free we're saved right that is good idea i was thinking more from a lioness's point of view than than your personal points of view but don't care i think it applies to them too doesn't it i just lost my zoo they'll be they'll be loving the rain won't they rain dances rain the jiggling around for the rain dance caused my uh ipad to slip off its perch uh as a result uh right let's talk about wales uh another tough encounter for them they take on france and singallen uh just fishlock full of fighting talk when speaking to the BBC this week.

53:59If you're going to ask me if I still believe that, I presume she was asked, can you go through, then I'll say wholeheartedly, I still believe. The biggest message is not to dwell too much on the game and the loss. I think we really need to take what we need to take from it, move forward and throw the rest in the bin. You wouldn't expect anything less from Jess, would you, Susie?

54:18Suzy Wrack:I mean, if she said anything different, you would have said she should have retired already. Like, you know, she's got to back the team to be able to do something. Of course, whether they can do anything, I think is, you know, the biggest of big asks that there could be. But, you know, anything can happen. It's football. The gap is huge. The gap between them in quality and experience and, you know, player pool and talent within that player pool is like so huge. and that French front three are going to probably have a little bit of a field day if Wales aren't really, really compact at the back.

54:56But yeah, anything can happen is football. Yes, yes, that's come up a few times. Rhianne Wilkinson's side probably going to set up as a compact defensive unit again, Robin. We saw that against the Netherlands. The problem this time is that a draw isn't going to be enough. And, you know, we go back to the age old issue of there's no out and out striker. So how do they go about winning the game? Yeah, it's going to be tough, obviously. But yeah, I think you've just got to, it's that old sort of, you know, a lot of teams do this, taking it block by block. And they were so close to getting to halftime against the Netherlands.

55:32I thought they were really good. And actually just that Miedema goal almost woke the Netherlands up. And then they kind of battered them in the second half. But they are clearly very well coached, Wales. And actually looking at the sort of stats, they won more duels than the Netherlands. They are getting stuck in. They're going to have to do the same. They are so committed. The problem is, I think they probably will tire like they did in the second half against the Netherlands. I think, yeah, you just got to take it almost sort of, yeah, 10 minute, 15 minute blocks and see where you are. And don't think about the fact you need to win.

56:08We'll cross that bridge when maybe they have frustrated France and they need to get a goal. I think that's the main issue. I actually think defensively they're not too bad. They really have very little threat up top. I mean, Kerry Holland, what an incredible performance she put in. I'm assuming, I mean, even if she isn't fit, she's going to have to play. It was cramped. She's fine. this wasn't the hamstring injury we worried about I'm not surprised though she was honestly it was like she was passing to herself at times and getting on the end of these balls it was like unbelievable energy and they all just fed off that um I mean it's going to be very very difficult and it's um but I do think that their spirit and the fans and the coach you know it's not out of the question.

57:03No, it's not. But are you expecting more of the same from France, Alex? They looked so strong against England. This feels like the most cohesive France we've kind of seen in a major tournament for a while. Yeah, definitely. I think that's, you know, nail on the head there. It's been a long time coming to see France this way. You know, they have been that team as well. You know, we talked about Norway having, you know, that front three. I think, you know, France have always had Diani, Baltimore and Catoto as their front three. And, you know, you have these players and you're like, why aren't you scoring more than you are considering?

57:39You know, you have these players. And finally, I think it is that cohesion and that balance. I think balance is the key word for a lot of the teams, whether it's in a good way or a bad way. You either have that balance or you don't. And I think France finally have that balance between, you know, you have, they have individually probably one of if not the strongest teams in the tournament when you have you're talking about Gartawi and Basha you know Elisa Dalmeida I thought she was doing brilliantly behind Basha considering that's not her position you know she is a centre-back Basha is a full-back but you push Basha up you push your centre-back into a full-back position and it's as if you know she's been playing that position her entire life and that's that's not it and when you have you You know, your two centre-backs, you don't have Wendy Renard's and obviously everyone's kind of freaking out about that.

58:27But I think when you have Alisson Bath has been really, really good with Lyon. And, you know, you have these two young centre-backs that are living up to the expectation. And it's just been brilliant to watch them. It's been so, so impressive. You know, individually, I think we've known for a long time the quality that these players have, but it's finally gelling together on the national team. And you have had that cycle kind of switch over. You know, you have Wendy Renard's not there for Alisson Bath, for example. You don't have, you know, Eugène Le Soumer for Marie-Antoine Catoto. You don't have, you know, Amadine Henry for Iglesias Queiro.

58:59You know, France have kind of cycled through their big, big names and their big, big players that have been legendary for France. And now it's kind of laid down to the new players. And they've been grasping that with everything. And they've been living up to the potential that, you know, these other players have left. And they're just, they're playing brilliant football. And, you know, it's so nice to see, you know, Sandy Baltimore, again, WSL player Chelsea, she's had an amazing season and that's reflecting on the national team. You know, Gartel has been one of my favourite players for a very, very long time because the quality that she has is just absolutely ridiculous.

59:32And you combine that with a player like Sandy Baltimore and that wing is just, it's ridiculous. There's no other way to put it. It's just absolutely ridiculous to watch them. And I think, yeah, France are probably one of the most, I would even go further to say maybe even more impressive to Spain in a lot of ways because of the balance over defensive qualities and offensive qualities they're not scoring as much as Spain but they're not conceding as much as Spain and they're kind of playing very very together wow yeah they're more balanced yeah it's a bit it's a bit different um so I think it's just France have been probably the most impressive side for me this tournament so far yeah oh good luck Wales in that case um Wednesday five o 'clock Letzigrund is England, Netherlands.

1:00:17Those times are British summertime, by the way. Eight o 'clock on Wednesday in St Gallen for Wales against France. Right, a few other bits to fill you in on and update you at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Senegal, top Group A after a 4-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo. They were 3-0 up after just 22 minutes. And the Lionesses of Taranga can book their place in the quarterfinals if they beat Zambia on Wednesday. Nigeria are looking for an incredible record. extending 10th WAFCON title. They kicked off with a 3-0 win over Tunisia in Group B. They topped the group on goal difference after Algeria's 1-0 victory over Botswana.

1:00:56And Holders South Africa kicked off their title defence with a 2-0 win over Ghana. In the other match in the group, a first-half stoppage time goal from Saratou Traore was enough for Mali to edge their encounter against Tanzania as both sides started their campaigns. A few bits of women's Super League transfer news for you as well. Aston Villa have made their first signing of the summer, bringing in versatile Netherlands defender Lynn Vilms in from Wolfsburg. She came on as a substitute against Wales at Euro 2025 on Saturday. Just 24 years old, can play centre-back and right-back. She's a Champions League runner-up as well, so decent signing for Villa.

1:01:34Arsenal have picked up Jamaica full-back Taylor Hines on a free after her contract with Liverpool expired. It looks like a three and a half year deal. That one she's returning to the club she started her career with. Jamaica goalkeeper Becky Spencer has joined Chelsea on a permanent basis from Tottenham after her loan spell last season. That's on a one year deal with the option to extend. And Everton have been busy, haven't they, since the arrival of their new owners. Japan's centre-back Rion Ishikawa has become the third player to sign for the Toffees this summer. There are reports as well that England's Katie Robinson could join on loan from Aston Villa.

1:02:09Right, there you go. You're up to date on everything so far. Thank you very much. Alex, brilliant. I can't believe a Spanish journalist has said that France are now favourites. The rest of us say Spain. Good luck. We will speak to you later on in the tournament. Thank you for having me on. Yeah, I think I'm lucky that a lot of Spanish fans don't speak that English and won't necessarily hear this. But no, I think it'll be interesting going forward. I think that game is one to look forward to. if they do come up against each other. It's going to be the game of the tournament. But yeah, thank you for having me on.

1:02:43As always. Robin, so lovely to see you. Make sure you're getting some rest. I know how exhausting it is. Keep doing the rain dances. I'll attempt to. Thanks, Faye. Susie, always a pleasure. Work on that vegan cheese for me, please.

1:03:01Suzy Wrack:Is that like telling someone to go and buy stripy paint when they're an apprentice builder?

1:03:08Yeah, I like it. Right, we'll be back on Thursday. We'll review the England and Wales matches, keeping everything crossed for Wednesday. A reminder, you can find us on the Guardian Women's Football Weekly social channels during the summer as well. Make sure you check out that pod too. Susie's going to be featuring a lot on there, as is Robin with Max and Barry as well. Keep having your say, send in your questions via social media or emailing us at womensfootballweekly at theguardian.com. And as ever, a reminder to sign up for our bi-weekly women's football newsletter. All you need to do is search Moving the Goalposts sign up.

1:03:41The Guardian Women's Football Weekly is produced by Sophie Downey and Silas Gray. Music composition was by Laura Iredale. Our executive producer is Salah Ahmad.

1:03:53This is The Guardian.

1:04:03You're either all in on this model or maybe you're building with another. You're either speed or is it security? Or you're AWS AI. Don't pick a side. Pick them all.

1:04:16Suzy Wrack:AWS AI is how. Decisions made in Washington can affect your portfolio every day. But what policy changes should investors be watching? Washington Wise is an original podcast from Charles Schwab that unpacks the stories making news in Washington right now and how they may affect your finances and portfolio. Listen at schwapp.com slash Washington Wise.

1:05:05Suzy Wrack:Sees and sweeps rules for details and visit bestwestern.com for complete terms and conditions.

From the publisher

Faye Carruthers is joined by Suzy Wrack, Robyn Cowen and Alex Ibaceta to reflect on Spain’s six-goal statement, Portugal’s dramatic late leveller and look ahead to England and Wales in Group D

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