The dust has settled on the Women`s Euro, and what transpired in Basel was not just a football match, but a tactical narrative that defied expectations and redefined the landscape of women`s international football. While many envisioned a coronation for Spain, it was England who, through sheer grit and a masterclass in pragmatic football, clinched a remarkable back-to-back title, ushering in an exhilarating era of unpredictability.
The Unexpected Reign: England`s Calculated Chaos
A month prior, as Europe`s finest converged in Switzerland, the consensus among pundits and fans alike pointed squarely towards Spain. Fresh off their commanding Women`s World Cup victory, their roster boasted a constellation of attacking talent, their style a fluid, almost balletic, display of possession-based football. Their presence in the Euro final, a historic first for La Roja, was hardly a shock, nor was Mariona Caldentey`s early lead.
Yet, the script took an unexpected turn. England, the reigning champions, embraced the role of the underdog with surprising conviction. They ceded possession, absorbed pressure, and meticulously carved out their opportunities. Their strategy was, by their own admission, unglamorous. Falling behind in four of their six Euro games, including the final, they demonstrated a peculiar resilience, holding the lead for a mere handful of minutes throughout the knockout stage. Their ultimate victory, achieved via a penalty shootout after registering zero shots in extra time, was a testament to a philosophy that prioritized efficacy over aesthetic.
Head coach Sarina Wiegman’s tactical approach—often dubbed `ugly` by those who prefer the free-flowing game—was a calculated risk that paid off handsomely. While critics might suggest it was an “uninspiringly easy” choice against a possession-dominant side, it highlights a fundamental truth of tournament football: trophies are won by those who adapt. The onus, arguably, was on Spain to devise a counter-strategy for such a predictable counter-approach.
Spain`s Unfulfilled Prophecy: A One-Note Symphony
Spain`s journey to the final was, by most measures, a cruise. Their semi-final victory over Germany further cemented their reputation. However, the defeat to England, following an extra-time struggle against Germany, exposed a significant vulnerability: a potential one-note approach. When conditions favored them, particularly when their midfield could dictate terms, Spain was magnificent. Their ability to outpass and convert chances was, indeed, often exquisite. The first half of the final mirrored this perfectly, with Spain dominating possession, passing, shots, and ultimately, the scoreboard.
But Wiegman`s England had correctly identified the Achilles` heel: disrupt Spain`s intricate passing patterns. The Lionesses, perhaps less defensively sound throughout the tournament, found their resolve when it mattered most. They forced Spain into uncharacteristic long balls and kept them pinned in their own half more than they preferred. The statistics speak volumes: Spain managed only five shots on target from 22 attempts. In extra time, England registered no shots but suffocated La Roja, allowing them zero shots on target from five attempts. It was a masterclass in defensive suffocation, a stark contrast to Spain`s usual free expression.
Defensive Grit and Resilient Performances
Among England`s ranks, defenders Leah Williamson and Jess Carter epitomized the steely determination that defined their Euro run. Carter, in particular, delivered a career-best performance, proving Wiegman`s trademark in-game tactical changes to be astute. Her return to the lineup after being dropped for the semi-final against Italy was a brave decision, rewarded spectacularly. Even more laudable was Carter`s composure and excellence on the field, especially given that she had been the target of racist abuse on social media in the preceding week. Her performance became a powerful statement of resilience, garnering widespread support from teammates and opponents alike.
The Tournament`s Enduring Legacy: Controlled Chaos and Competitive Balance
Beyond England`s tactical triumph, the Women`s Euro itself was a spectacle of surprises. Italy`s unexpected semi-final appearance, their best since 1997, and the Netherlands` early group stage exit underscored a refreshing sense of imperfection and unpredictability that might just be the competition`s most lasting legacy. This on-field chaos unfolded against a backdrop of record attendances and unprecedented viewership figures, further cementing women`s football`s undeniable upward trajectory.
The power dynamics shifted visibly: rising forces like Italy challenged established powerhouses like Norway, and England exacted revenge on Spain for their 2022 World Cup final defeat. No single team emerged looking like the “perfect package.” Both finalists, despite their strengths, displayed clear weaknesses, a testament to the heightened competitiveness of the sport.
Towards 2027: A World of Exciting Uncertainties
This dynamic, unpredictable Euro sets the stage perfectly for the countdown to the 2027 World Cup, now officially underway in Brazil. Had Spain dominated, they might have been crowned undisputed favorites. However, head coach Montse Tome and her squad clearly have areas for refinement. England, despite their title, joins a growing list of championship-winning teams that, while effective, are far from flawless.
The next two years promise to be fascinating. The U.S. Women`s National Team is ushering in a new generation of talent with Brazil 2027 firmly in their sights. The host nation, Brazil, is undertaking a similar transformation, undoubtedly eyeing a statement-making performance on home soil – South America`s first Women`s World Cup. The pressure is mounting for these traditional powerhouses, while a long list of ambitious teams on the cusp will be equally determined to make their mark. Two years after what was arguably the most competitive World Cup in women`s football history, the trend is clear: the on-field product is evolving, becoming more balanced, more thrilling, and wonderfully, sometimes weirdly, imperfect. The future of women`s football is not just bright; it`s gloriously unpredictable.