All articles by: Ieuan Ivett

Women’s Euro 2017 Semi-Final – Netherlands vs England – Match Preview

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Netherlands vs England – Match Preview – England face hosts Netherlands in the semi-final stage of the UEFA Women’s EURO 2017. Both sides have won all their matches so far in the tournament, with two good crowd followings behind them at their matches.

 Netherlands won all three of their group stage games; overcoming Norway, Denmark and Belgium. The host nation has continued to impress past that stage, beating a strong Swedish side in front of a sell out crowd in Doetinchem.

 Mark Sampson’s England side cruised through Group D, topping the standings above Scotland, Spain and Portugal. The ‘Lionesses’ then went on to beat France in the quarter-final in a tight and tense affair. Striker Jodie Taylor’s goal was the difference as she has added yet another to her tally in a promising bid to win the tournament’s golden boot award.

 Netherlands have given the home crowd much to cheer about since the first whistle was blown. The creative attacking three of Martens, Miedema and van de Sanden have been fantastic for the hosts, and can cause the English defence a lot of problems.

Lieke Martens will be a threat to the England defence with her pace and creativity Photo Credit: skysports.com

 Left sided attacker, Lieke Martens, has been one of the most dangerous attackers at the tournament. Her sheer pace and danger when she cuts in on her right foot has seen plenty of full-backs left for dead, whilst Vivienne Miedema of Arsenal has been the physical, clinical presence that has been required up front. With the backing of a home crowd, can Netherlands continue their perfect summer?

Skybet Match Result – Netherlands to Win in 90 mins – 2/1

Egland captain Steph Hughton will hope she can lead her team to the finals Photo Credit: skysports.com

 England have been one of, if not the most impressive team at this tournament so far. Mark Sampson’s tactics have seen his defence concede once in four showings; the same as their semi-final opponents. Captain, Steph Houghton, has been a leader on the pitch commanding the best from her defenders whilst producing a solid base for England at the back.

 Striker, Jodie Taylor, is in the form of her life so far at the tournament having netted five goals in three appearances. One to never miss the target, Netherlands will have to keep her on lock down if they are to have any chance of keeping a clean sheet.

 Can the ‘Lionesses’ continue an already incredible summer for English national sides by qualifying to the final?

Skybet Match Result – England to Win in 90 mins – 7/5

 

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Women’s Euro 2017 Quarter Final- England vs France – Match Preview

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England vs France – Match Preview – England Women face France Women in a mouthwatering quarter final tie at the 2017 UEFA Women’s EURO’s. Mark Sampson’s England side topped Group D with three victories over Scotland, Spain and Portugal. France seemed to show frailties in Group C, scraping through in second place behind an Austria side that held them to a draw in the group stages. England will have hoped for an easier tie in the quarter final, as France are one of the tournament favourites despite their average showing so far.

England defeated Portugal 2-1 to reach the Quarter Finals Photo Credit: skysports.com

The ‘Lionesses’ have shown a ruthless side to their game so far at the tournament. England have scored 10 goals in their three matches; six of them coming against a Scotland side that seemed to crumble under the big lights. Confident they would qualify, Sampson made 10 changes for their previous outing against Portugal in an effort to rest his strongest eleven for this match, a good decision as they drew France. Jodie Taylor has stolen the spotlight so far having scored 4 goals in 2 games spearheading an experience and dangerous attack. Chelsea forward Fran Kirby has been the catalyst to England’s attack with her flair and composure in the final third. Can Sampson’s ladies continue their rampant form in this tournament by knocking out one of the favourites?

Skybet Match Result – England to Win in 90 mins – 13/8

As aforementioned, France have been a shadow of their former selves so far in this tournament, only showing their class in small glimpses. One victory and two draws was unexpected from the French, who struggled to convert their chances in front of goal and let the other nations control the tempo of the match. Midfielder Amandine Henry scored a vital goal in their 1-1 stalemate with Group C winners, Austria. Her steady, calming style of play will be crucial to the French in the quarter final if they are to compete against the abrasive English midfield. Attacker Elodie Thomis has also impressed at club level this past season but has yet to showcase her talent at the competition. If she finds her feet it could spell trouble for England. Can France turn around their tournament after a less than convincing start?

Skybet Match Result – France to Win in 90 mins – 15/8

 

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Women’s Euro 2017 – Portugal vs England – Match Preview

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Portugal vs England – Match Preview – England will face Portugal in their final group stage fixture at the 2017 Women’s EURO’s where they will be looking to secure top spot in Group D. Mark Sampson’s side are yet to concede a goal in the tournament and have scored eight in two matches. Spain came close to breaking down the tough English defence led by captain, Steph Houghton, however failed to do so. Portugal overcame a tough test against Scotland where a late counter attacking goal gave them their first win of the tournament, despite having spent plenty of the match on the back foot.

England have been the most impressive team in the tournament so far. Their clinical attack led by poacher, Jodie Taylor, has delivered plenty of creativity and goals thus far. The Arsenal striker has scored four goals in two matches and currently leads the tournament golden boot standings. She has been supported by attackers, Ellen White and Fran Kirby who have also had no trouble finding the back of the net.

Jodie Taylor tops the scoring charts in the tournament so far with 4 goals Photo Credit: skysports.com

England have illustrated their strength and depth with midfield and defence also impressing. Centre midfield rock, Jill Scott, continued her impressive form following the Scotland victory and defender, Lucy Bronze, has continued to showcase her attacking ability down the right side. All in all, England shouldn’t have too much trouble dispatching of this rather underwhelming Portugal side.

Skybet Correct Score Group Betting – England to win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 – 11/4

Portugal scraped through victory over Scotland in their last game Photo Credit: skysports.com

Portugal most recently took to the field against Scotland, where they narrowly won 2-1. The Portuguese seemed to struggle to string many passes together and were only dangerous in counter attacking scenarios. Scotland were able to give Portugal a tough 90 minutes where they were on the backfoot for plenty of it, so England will be another level all together. Trindade Coruche Mendes’ pace was Portugal’s biggest outlet, however were lucky Scotland were not clinical enough and squandered easy chances.

Portugal, like many nations at this tournament, are appearing for the first time. Manager Francisco Neto, has expressed his delight that his team were able to salvage three points in their first major tournament and will also believe his side have a good chance of qualification. Can Neto and his side create more history?

Skybet Match Result – Portugal to Win in 90 mins – 14/1

 

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