Soccer

Women’s Euro 2022: Can Spain win the title?

Despite not winning a World Cup or European Championship, Spain are amongst the favorites to win the Euro 2022, which begins Wednesday, July 6.

The Women’s Euro 2022 begins Wednesday when England take on Austria at Old Trafford. England, who have the perk of being hosts in 2022, lost to the Netherlands in the semifinals in 2017 and will be looking to take it one step further this year in their ninth Finals appearance. And yet, even having the home advantage and several talented players like Ellen White, Lucy Bronze, and Beth Mead, most bookies are betting on Spain over England to win it all.

Why Spain are the favorites to win the Women’s Euro 2022

Despite not having won the European Championship or World Cup, Spain is seen as the most likely to win the Women’s Euro 2022. Their best finish in the tournament was in 1997, when they reached the semifinals. They are currently ranked seventh in the FIFA world rankings and have recorded an undefeated streak of 23 games, with 19 wins and four ties.

“The goal, obviously, is to improve everything that we’ve done so far,” said Spain defender Irene Paredes. “We are the first ones who, as a goal, as a dream, set ourselves to win, because otherwise there’s no point in competing. But at the same time, we have our feet on the ground knowing that we have not done anything so far.”

Their team captain, Alexia Putellas is the current Ballon d’ Or holder and has scored 27 times for her country and became the first Spanish woman to reach 100 international caps.

“I think Spain are the favorites to win,” said Brazil player Andressa Alves. “All those players, Alexia [Putellas], Jenni [Hermoso], Aitana [Bonmatí], and Patri [Guijarro] are a very strong team. And the games they’ve played, the results they’ve had, and the way they are playing make them favorites.”

England is not far behind on most lists, falling as the the second-favorites to win it all. They do have the benefit of a slightly easier schedule, with Group A containing three sides which are new to the competition. Spain, however, will have to go up against two top-ranked teams with Germany and Denmark in Group B.

Spain plays there first game of the tournament against Finland on Friday, July 8.