Women's EURO draw guide: Group B
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Article summary
Germany and Sweden will renew their rivalry in UEFA Women's EURO 2017 Group B, with Italy and Russia hoping to better the 2016 Olympic finalists.
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- The teams: Germany (holders), Sweden, Italy, Russia
- The games (CET)
Monday 17 July
Italy v Russia (Rotterdam) 18:00
Germany v Sweden (Breda) 20:45
Friday 21 July
Sweden v Russia (Deventer) 18:00
Germany v Italy (Tilburg) 20:45
Tuesday 25 July
Russia v Germany (Utrecht) 20:45
Sweden v Italy (Doetinchem) 20:45
- Three things to know
• Germany will begin their bid for a seventh straight title against Sweden, who they beat 2-1 in the Olympic gold medal match in August in Rio de Janeiro.
• Italy have never failed to reach the last eight; Russia are yet to get out of a UEFA Women's EURO group.
• Germany beat Russia 2-0 and 4-0 in qualifying.
- Reaction
Steffi Jones, Germany coach
We know Sweden well. It's a classic, if you can put it like that, but it's coming way too early. I'm looking forward to [the group] because they're all different opponents, each with their own style of play. You can't compare them with each other. Each team has its own characteristics.
Pia Sundhage, Sweden coach
We've played against [Germany] a couple of times, we've lost a couple of times, and when I look at the draw and we get the chance to play against Germany again, we'll just have to enjoy it and do our very best. We're getting closer to winning against Germany and hopefully we'll take that chance next year. It will be a tough group, but I think all four groups are pretty tough.
Antonio Cabrini, Italy coach
This is probably the toughest group in the EURO. We drew Germany, who are the world champions and Olympic champions, and Sweden, who had a great tournament at the Olympics. We know how difficult it will be, but we definitely shouldn't let our spirits drop. On paper, the other teams are probably stronger, but they should be wary of Italy too.
Elena Fomina, Russia coach
We hoped to avoid Germany because we've played them often and know each other very well. Of course, we're at a different standard at the moment. We will play and obviously try our best to get out of the group. It's a good group we have – a really good group.