The Women’s Euro
For those who haven’t had the pleasure, the UEFA European Women’s Championship, more affectionately known as the Women’s Euros, is one of the sparkling gems of women’s football. This tournament is where the continent’s finest players come to play, and where fans are treated to a heady cocktail of drama, heartbreak, and the occasional last-minute wonder goal that leaves everyone scrambling for the replay button.
Humble Beginnings
The Women’s Euros didn’t start with the fanfare and fireworks that we see today. Back in 1984, the tournament was more like a cozy neighborhood party rather than the continental carnival it has become. Just four teams—Sweden, England, Denmark, and Italy—were invited to the inaugural bash. The format was straightforward: two-legged semifinals leading to a two-legged final. Sweden snatched the first title in a nail-biting penalty shootout against England, giving the Swedes their first and only European title to date. The match was played in a modest setting with a crowd that could easily fit into your local sports bar. But what it lacked in size, it more than made up for in spirit.
The Women’s Euros didn’t start with the fanfare and fireworks that we see today. Back in 1984, the tournament was more like a cozy neighborhood party rather than the continental carnival it has become. Just four teams—Sweden, England, Denmark, and Italy—were invited to the inaugural bash. The format was straightforward: two-legged semifinals leading to a two-legged final. Sweden, ever the party crashers, snatched the first title in a nail-biting penalty shootout against England, giving the Swedes their first and only European title to date. The match was played in a modest setting with a crowd that could easily fit into your local sports bar. But what it lacked in size, it more than made up for in spirit.
Evolution
The 1990s were a pivotal decade for the Women’s Euros. In 1991, the tournament expanded to include eight teams, reflecting the growing popularity of the women’s game across Europe. The final that year saw Germany begin their reign of dominance, defeating Norway 3-1. It was a sign of things to come, as the Germans went on to win seven of the next eight tournaments, turning the Women’s Euros into their personal stomping ground.
By 1997, the tournament was being broadcast to larger audiences, and the matches were played in front of bigger crowds. The format also changed, with the introduction of a group stage followed by knockout rounds, making the competition more intense and unpredictable. The 2001 edition, hosted by Germany, saw the home team lift the trophy once again, defeating Sweden 1-0 in a final that was more tense than a thriller movie’s final scene. Germany’s victory was sealed with a golden goal, a now-defunct rule that added an extra layer of drama to extra time.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the Women’s Euros have become a global spectacle. The 2009 tournament in Finland was the first to feature 12 teams, and it marked a significant shift in the level of competition. Germany, predictably, continued their winning streak, but the tournament also showcased the growing strength of other nations. England’s run to the final was particularly memorable, though they were ultimately dismantled by Germany in a 6-2 drubbing that still haunts English football fans.
The 2013 edition in Sweden saw the tournament expand once again, this time to 16 teams, a format that remains today. Germany won yet again, but it was the 2017 tournament in the Netherlands that truly signaled a new era. The Dutch, led by a young and vibrant team, captured the hearts of the nation and the continent, winning their first major international title in front of a home crowd that painted every stadium orange. The final, a 4-2 victory over Denmark, was a thrilling showcase of attacking football, with the likes of Vivianne Miedema and Lieke Martens cementing their status as global stars.
The Big Stage
Let’s not forget the most recent chapter in this epic saga—the 2021 Women’s Euros, which, thanks to a certain global pandemic, actually took place in 2022. Held across England from July 6 to July 31, this tournament was nothing short of spectacular. It was as if the football gods decided to make up for lost time by blessing us with a tournament that was bursting at the seams with skill, and record-breaking crowds.
The 2021 edition saw the Lionesses roar louder than ever on home soil, with England’s team putting in a performance that will be remembered for decades. The tournament drew unprecedented attention, with millions of fans tuning in from around the globe. The final, held at the iconic Wembley Stadium, was a historic moment not just for women’s football but for football in general. A record-breaking crowd of over 87,000 packed the stands, the highest ever for a European Championship match, men’s or women’s.
England’s journey to the final was a masterclass in footballing excellence. Under the guidance of coach Sarina Wiegman, the Lionesses played with a combination of flair, tenacity, and tactical brilliance that left their opponents chasing shadows. Beth Mead was the star of the show, her goals and assists lighting up the tournament and winning her the Golden Boot. The final against Germany was a tense affair, with neither team willing to give an inch. But it was England who emerged victorious, with Chloe Kelly’s extra-time goal sealing a 2-1 win and sending the nation into a euphoric frenzy. It was England’s first major international title since 1966, and it couldn’t have come at a better time or in a more iconic setting.
Here is an inside look at England’s journey through the tournament.
Classic Matches
Over the years, the Women’s Euros have produced some unforgettable matches. The 1995 semifinal between Norway and Denmark was a goal-fest, with Norway emerging victorious 8-0—a record win that still stands. Then there’s the 2001 final where Germany edged out Sweden with that heart-stopping golden goal. More recently, the 2017 semifinal where the Netherlands defeated England 3-0 was a masterclass in tactical brilliance and home advantage, as the Dutch rode a wave of national euphoria to the final.
Legends of the Euros
When it comes to star players, the Women’s Euros have seen their fair share of legends. Birgit Prinz of Germany is a name that resonates deeply in the tournament’s history. With her powerful presence and eye for goal, Prinz was instrumental in Germany’s dominance through the 2000s. Then there’s Sweden’s Hanna Ljungberg, whose clinical finishing made her one of the most feared strikers of her era. More recently, players like Denmark’s Pernille Harder and England’s Lucy Bronze have taken the torch, dazzling fans with their skill and leadership.
Continued Growth
The Women’s Euros come around every four years, offering us a chance to see the best of the best in European women’s football. It’s a tournament that not only crowns the continent’s top team but also pushes the women’s game into the global spotlight. From the early days of modest crowds and limited media coverage to the packed stadiums and global audiences of today, the Women’s Euros is a stage where dreams are realized.
