July 11 – Grace Geyoro scored a hat-trick as France underlined their credentials as one of the favourites to win the women’s Euros by thrashing Italy 5-1 in their Group D opener on Sunday.
Corinne Diacre’s side are looking to win a major tournament for the first time but face strong opposition from a raft of other contenders.
Germany, Norway and Spain all scored four in their opening group games while attendances continue to smash records.
Following the highest ever attendance in the history of the competition when 68,781 turned out to watch England edge out Austria in the opening match, more records tumbled as 16,819 watched Spain beat Finland, the most ever at a game not involving the host nation other than a final.
That stood for a mere 24 hours until 21,342 showed up for the 1-1 draw between holders Netherlands and Sweden.
The biggest game so far in the tournament takes place tonight when England go head-to-head with group rivals Norway who feature inaugural Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg and a string of other dangerous players.
The Norwegians have won the trophy twice and have also been world and Olympic champions.
“They are a phenomenal team,” said England forward Ellen White. “It’s a really tough group. We’ve watched them and analysed them and we’re fully focused on what we can do. It’s a big, big game for us and we’re excited.”
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