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UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 Group C Preview: Denmark vs. Sweden – A Scandinavian Derby Loaded with History, Drama, and High Stakes

The Stage is Set in Geneva

On Friday, 4 July 2025, the Stade de Genève will host a clash dripping with Nordic tension as Denmark and Sweden open their Euro 2025 campaigns.

With kickoff at 18:00 CET, this early Group C showdown offers the winner a chance to seize temporary control of a treacherous group featuring eight-time champions Germany and debutants Poland.

The 30,950-seat Swiss venue – one of the tournament’s largest – perfectly suits the magnitude of women’s football’s oldest international rivalry, dating back to Denmark’s very first official match in 1974.

A Rivalry Forged in Fire

When Vikings Collide

The stats tell a story of Swedish dominance: 11 wins to Denmark’s 4 since 2005, including a brutal 6-1 demolition just weeks ago in the Nations League. Danish veteran Sanne Troelsgaard called that loss “the worst I’ve experienced,” while captain Pernille Harder insists it’s now “motivation to show it was a one-off.” Yet history hints at Danish resilience in EURO battles – their 2-0 qualifying win in 2016 broke a 12-year competitive drought against the Swedes.

Tournament Pedigree

Sweden’s trophy cabinet sparkles compared to Denmark’s:

Road to Switzerland: Contrasting Journeys

Denmark’s Rocky Path

Qualifying behind Spain showcased their attacking flair (14 goals) but exposed defensive frailties (8 conceded). Their 3-2 collapse after leading Spain 2-0 in stoppage time lingers as a psychological wound. The Nations League brought wild swings – a 3-1 stunner in Italy but a humbling 3-0 home loss to those same Italians. As Harder admits: “We dream of winning medals,” but consistency remains elusive.

Sweden’s Resurgence

After stumbling in a brutal qualifying group (behind France and England), the Swedes became play-off assassins – crushing Luxembourg and Serbia by a combined 20-0 aggregate. Their Nations League form has been ominously steady, including a 2-1 win in Denmark and a statement 6-1 thrashing in the rematch. With 12 games unbeaten, including a recent 2-0 dismissal of Norway, Peter Gerhardsson’s squad arrives with momentum.

Tactical Chess Match

Denmark’s Blueprint

Under Swedish coach Andrée Jeglertz – whose post-Euros departure adds intrigue – Denmark blends defensive solidity with rapid transitions. Wing-backs Sofie Svava and Katrine Veje must balance attacking width against Sweden’s flying wingers, while Harder operates as the free-roaming heartbeat. The looming question: Can they fix a set-piece vulnerability that Sweden’s aerial giants like Amanda Ilestedt will ruthlessly target?

Sweden’s Winning Formula

Gerhardsson’s tactical kaleidoscope (4-3-3, 3-4-3, 4-2-3-1) keeps opponents guessing. Fridolina Rolfö’s return from injury bolsters an attack already firing via Stina Blackstenius and Johanna Rytting Kaneryd – the Chelsea winger Eriksson dubs “a full-back’s worst nightmare.” Their midfield metronome Filippa Angeldahl sets the tempo, recently declaring: “When we’re relaxed and brave, we play very good football.”

Human Drama: The Subplots

  1. Friends Turned Rivals
    The Harder-Eriksson storyline transcends sport. Partners at Bayern Munich, they’ll now duel as opposing captains. Harder confesses: “It’s very special… Our families get nervous wanting the best for both of us.”
  2. The Swedish Dane
    Jeglertz’s homeland return as Denmark’s first foreign boss adds spice. Will his insider knowledge of Swedish football crack the code, or will divided loyalties cloud his judgment?
  3. Generation Game
    Sweden’s teen sensation Smilla Holmberg (18) embodies their fearless new wave, while Denmark’s Sara Holmgaard – fresh from a dream move to Real Madrid – carries the hopes of a nation craving validation.

How It Could Unfold

Expect a thunderous start as Denmark channels wounded pride from that 6-1 humiliation. Sweden’s set-piece prowess and Blackstenius’ predatory instincts may prove decisive, but Harder’s genius could conjure a moment of magic.

2–4 minutes
Warren Smith

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