Thursday, September 3rd
Kick Off 3pm (CET)
While we are waiting for the England men to hopefully wrap up their World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign against Croatia on Wednesday, 9th, it is a good chance to get behind the national women’s team, as they are battling their way through Euro 2009. While the competition may have fallen under the radar, the women have experienced some ups and downs, but have qualified by the skin of their teeth, to play Finland in the Quarter Finals.
England finished third in their group but progressed thanks to finishing as one of the best runners up. Out of the three groups, the top two of each progressed along with the two best third placed teams. England, having won one, lost one and drawn one, amassed four points from their three group games, finishing behind leaders Sweden and second placed Italy. A win in their second group game against bottom placed Russia, saw them on the brink of entering the quarter finals, a position which was looking precarious at one stage in the game after being behind 2-1.
It was a 1-1 tie against Sweden which got England the point they needed to remain in the competition. England’s opponents on Thursday, 3rd, Finland, won their respective group with two wins and a loss. If any comfort can be taken from England’s finishing position, then it will be in the fact that they avoided old rivals Germany, who won all three of their group matches.
England captain, Faye White will be hoping that her team can find a little more edge against the Finnish. They will need to step up their game a little, but holding Sweden to a draw will have given them a little boost in confidence. Manager Hope Powell will know that the strength in the competition lies with Germany and Sweden, but Finland too will prove a tough nut to crack, but by no means mission impossible.
The two sides should be evenly matched, but the Finnish women will have the advantage of complete home territory, with the tournament being held in Finland. However, one interesting statistic that will give home to England, is that Finland have never beaten England in a senior international game (men or women’s). The women have met nine times, resulting in 5 wins for England and 4 draws.
Euro 2009 Outright Winners
Germany 8/13 at Ladbrokes
Sweden 3/1 at Ladbrokes
Finland 10/1 at Ladbrokes
England 11/1 at William Hill
Euro 2009 Quarter Final Fixtures
Finland v England
Netherlands v France
Germany v Italy
Sweden v Norway
Match Odds
Finland to win 2/1 at 888Sport
Draw 23/10 at BlueSquare
England to win 6/5 at Boylesports
