NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
16 nations descend on England and battle it out for the title as best women’s team in Europe. It’s finally here Women’s Euro 2022. The Euro is a huge tournament; for some it’s almost bigger than the World Cup. This will be the 13th time the tournament is played and the second edition with 16 teams in it. We will see Nothern Ireland take the pitch for the first time as well, with fans back in the stand this post-COVID tourney WILL be amazing. Women’s futbol is building a huge fan base and based on ticket sales already expect packed stadiums full of passionate fans. Who are the players and teams to watch for as we make our way to the final at historic Wembley Stadium?
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| GROUP B |
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| GROUP C |
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| GROUP D |
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Who To Watch:
England: 
She is only 21 years old and a serious threat each and every time the ball is at her feet. Her name is Lauren Hemp, and playing in front of the home crowd should be fuel to have a special tournament. She is MUST SEE TV and her teammates will feed off her energy. This is a team with a great mix of young up-and-coming players and vets We have seen host nations crumble under the pressure, will this squad be different?
Netherlands:
Can they go back-2-back? Did we see a blueprint to beat them when England won 5-1? There is no question this is one of the top teams in the world and with a loaded roster of goal-getters like Vivianne Miedema, Esmee Brugts, Lieke Martens, and Damoris Egurrolsa to name a few. With questions on the backend, they have some weak spots to tighten up, and again will have eyes on them to repeat. The pressure on manager Mark Parsons to have a good run is heavy.
Sweden:
Can anyone remember the last time this team lost a match? March of 2020 was the date and they would love nothing more than to add a Euro title to the wins list. They are super deep and can score in many different ways and from different potions. Even the defenders are threats to put the ball in the back of the net. Stina Blackstenius is a name we all will soon remember. Having to be in the same group as the Netherlands is a crime, but sets up a juicy matchup on July 9th. Caroline Seager who has played more games than anyone for the national team would love to add some hardware to an outstanding career. Her fight for equal pay is something her teammates or fans won’t soon forget.
Storylines To Watch:
Welcome to the world’s stage Northern Ireland can they make some noise?
Will the French make magic happen and come together as a team led by the great Marie-Antoinette Katoto?
Are we sleeping on Spain even with the loss of all-world player Alexia Putellas with an ACL injury.? You can call this team Barcelona 2.0 and those Barca players will be relied on to get them out of Group B.
Can Germany remind us all why they have been elite in the past and recent showings are just a glitch in the Matrix?
Weclome, BACK Ada Hegerbeg! After missing the 2019 World Cup she is back on the pitch for Norway 5 years away from the national team the former Ballon d’Or winner lives for this type of stage.
Nothing gets the WORLD buzzing like a great futbol tournament and this will be no exception. A showcase of this level will do wonders for a growing women’s game that many people still need to find a sit on the bandwagon. If I had to put money on it I have Sweden answering the call and defeating England in the final. They have been the bridesmaid long enough. And I also predict some amazing games that will push the women’s game to another level. Let the fun begin!!
