The UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 group stage ended on July 13. The knockout stage will begin with Norway vs Italy on July 16. Based on match data from the group stage, I analyzed the tactics and styles of the eight quarterfinal teams.
Which teams controlled games with possession? Which teams focused on solid defending and effective counterattacks? Here’s what the numbers show.
1. What Top Teams Have in Common
1). Possession and Pass Accuracy – “Control the ball, control the game”
The top teams had something in common:
High possession rates and excellent pass success.
| Team | Possession (%) | Pass Accuracy (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 75.0 | 89.0 |
| England | 62.0 | 84.0 |
| Germany | 64.7 | 83.7 |
🔸These teams used solid build-up play and quick ball circulation to dominate matches and create many chances.
2) Clean Defense and Smart Pressure
Besides attack, strong and organized defending was also key.
Most of the quarterfinal teams allowed fewer than 0.3 shots due to errors per game.
They also used high pressing to defend in the opponent’s half.
| Team | Clearances | Interceptions | Goals from Mistakes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 11.0 | 8.0 | 0.3 |
| England | 18.7 | 6.0 | 0.3 |
| Germany | 14.0 | 9.0 | 0 |
🔸Germany had higher defensive actions (clearances, interceptions), but overall, these teams controlled both offense and defense through smart possession and pressure.
2. Two Opposites in Style – Spain vs Norway
1) Spain: The Modern ‘Tiki-Taka’ Machine
- Possession: 75%
- Average shots: 25 per game
- xG (expected goals): 3.05
- Goals per game: 4.67
- Pass accuracy: 89%
🔸Spain dominated every match with their attacking style.
They had the highest number of shots and chances among all 8 teams.
Spain’s football was all about controlling, passing, and scoring.
2) Norway: Efficient and Organized Defense
- Possession: 49.3%
- Goals per game: 2.67
- xG: 1.38
- Tackle success: 61.3%
- Saves per game: 4.33
- Mistakes leading to goals: 0
🔸Norway had the lowest possession among the top 8,
but showed strong defending and excellent finishing.
They allowed few mistakes and took their chances well.
| Stat | Spain | Norway |
|---|---|---|
| Possession (%) | 75.0 | 49.3 |
| Goals per game | 4.67 | 2.67 |
| Shots per game | 25.0 | 10.67 |
| Shots on target | 8.67 | 4.33 |
| xG (Expected goals) | 3.05 | 1.38 |
| Tackle success (%) | 59.3 | 61.3 |
| Goals from mistakes | 0.33 | 0.0 |
| Saves per game | 1.00 | 4.33 |
3. Tactical Summary – Based on Data
1) Possession-Based Style: Spain, Germany, England
→ High possession, short passes, pressing from the front.
| Team | Possession (%) | Pass Accuracy (%) | Clearances | Interceptions | Goals from Mistakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 75.0 | 89.0 | 11.0 | 8.0 | 0.3 |
| Germany | 64.7 | 83.7 | 14.0 | 9.0 | 0 |
| England | 62.0 | 84.0 | 18.7 | 6.0 | 0.3 |
→ These teams built attacks patiently, pressed high, and made few mistakes in defense.
2) Defensive & Efficient Style: Norway, Italy
→ Low possession, strong defense, fast counters or set-pieces.
| Team | Possession (%) | Goals | Clearances | Tackle Success (%) | Saves | Goals from Mistakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Norway | 49.3 | 2.67 | 22.3 | 61.3 | 4.33 | 0.0 |
| Italy | 38.7 | 1.00 | 23.3 | 60.0 | 2.33 | 0.7 |
→ These teams defended deep and focused on counterattacks or set-pieces.
Despite lower possession, they scored enough goals to advance.
3) Balanced Style: France, Switzerland, Sweden
→ Mix of possession and defense, good structure and low errors.
| Team | Possession (%) | Pass Accuracy (%) | Tackles | Interceptions | Goals from Mistakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 55.3 | 80.6 | 67.0 | 7.3 | 0.3 |
| Switzerland | 54.3 | 78.3 | 58.0 | 8.0 | 0.3 |
| Sweden | 53.3 | 77.3 | 59.0 | 7.0 | 0 |
→ These teams were well-balanced, had good passing ability, and showed reliable team defense.
✅ Tactical Summary Table
| Type | Teams | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | Spain, Germany, England | Build-up play, control with passes, high pressing |
| Efficient | Norway, Italy | Strong defense, counters or set pieces |
| Balanced | France, Switzerland, Sweden | Good structure, solid balance in attack and defense |
4. Final Takeaway
The group stage of WEURO2025 showed one clear message:
"Possession is power, but mistakes are deadly."
Still, teams like Norway proved that efficiency and defense can beat possession.
The quarterfinals are single-match knockouts.
Will Spain continue to dominate? Or will a team like Norway cause another surprise?
🙋♀️About Me
Hi, I’m Marina Kim (Eunji), a sports data content creator learning and sharing football stories through data.
Tools: Python, pandas
Data Source: Flashscore
Github: https://github.com/k-eunji/-group_insights_weuro2025
I’m open to new opportunities in sports data and content creation. Let’s connect if you’re interested!
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