Sports Mole previews Friday's Women's European Championship clash between Sweden Women and Belgium Women, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Sweden Women will look to move one step closer to their second European Championship trophy when they face Belgium in the Women's Euros 2022 quarter-finals on Friday.

Meanwhile, Belgium Women have already exceeded their expectations after reaching the knockout rounds of a major tournament for the first time in their history.

Match preview

Sweden Women coach Peter Gerhardsson reacts on July 9, 2022 © Reuters

Sweden are aiming to progress to the semi-finals of the European Championships for the sixth time in the last eight tournaments.

The highest ranked side at Euro 2022 secured their place in the quarter-finals by picking up seven points from their three group games.

Their tournament began with a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands before they edged out Switzerland via a 2-1 scoreline.

Requiring a point from their final group game to progress, Sweden made light work of a Portugal side that needed to win, with Filippa Angeldal grabbing a brace in a comprehensive 5-0 victory.

After extending their unbeaten run to 15 matches, Peter Gerhardsson's side will now be targeting a quarter-final victory that would keep them on track for European glory.

While Sweden enjoyed an unbeaten group stage, Belgium's progression to the knockout rounds proved far more difficult.

They began their campaign with a draw against Iceland before losing 2-1 to France on matchday two despite running the eventual group winners close.

After picking up a point from their opening two group games, Belgium entered the final matchday one point behind Iceland.

However, Tinne de Caigny's strike guided Belgium to a 1-0 victory over Italy, and it proved to be a vital three points with Ives Serneels's side leapfrogging Iceland, who drew 1-1 against France.

After reaching the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time, Belgium will already regard Euro 2022 as a success, but they still have the chance to create more history in Friday's quarter-final.

Sweden Women Women's European Championship form:

Sweden Women form (all competitions):

Belgium Women Women's European Championship form:

Belgium Women form (all competitions):

Team News

Belgium Women's Justine Vanhaevermaet celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates on July 10, 2022 © Reuters

After returning to the starting lineup against Portugal Jonna Andersson is expected to retain her place, with Sweden set to name an unchanged lineup.

Angeldal will be looking to provide the front three with support from midfield after netting a brace in the final group game

Stina Blackstenius opened her account for the tournament in the victory over Portugal, and the Arsenal forward will be aiming to provide the goal threat when she leads the line on Friday.

As for Belgium, Amber Tysiak will return to the substitutes' bench after serving a one-match suspension.

Like their opponents, Ives Serneels could be tempted to name an unchanged starting XI for Friday's quarter-final.

If Serneels does opt against making any alterations, then Hannah Eurlings will continue in the forward line after making her first start of the tournament in the final group match.

Sweden Women possible starting lineup:
Lindahl; Glas, Ilestedt, Eriksson, Andersson; Angeldal, Asllani, Bjorn; Rytting Kaneryd, Rolfo, Blackstenius

Belgium Women possible starting lineup:
Evrard; Vangheluwe, Kees, Biesmans, Philtjens, Cayman, Vanhaevermaet, De Caigny; Dhont, Wullaert, Eurlings

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We say: Sweden Women 3-1 Belgium Women

Belgium have demonstrated great character to claw themselves into the knockout rounds, but we think they will be unable to progress any further, when they came up against a Sweden side who have a habit of reaching European Championship semi-finals.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Written by
Ben Sully