Overview

• Germany faces France on Saturday in Basel with coach Christian Wück prioritising a compact backline after conceding four goals against Sweden in the group stage.
• Ann-Katrin Berger remains Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper despite inconsistent displays, as understudies Stina Johannes and Ena Mahmutovic have limited experience.
• Switzerland will take on Spain on Friday in Bern, buoyed by record-breaking attendance, thousands of fans at open training sessions and a high-performance fitness regime under Pia Sundhage.
• France enter the quarterfinals as favourites with a world-class attack led by Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Delphine Cascarino, demanding utmost defensive precision from their opponents.
• Record attendances, free-to-air coverage and an increased UEFA prize pool underscore the tournament’s commercial surge and growing cultural impact for women’s football.