Welcome to your mid-week football update! The UEFA Women`s Euro championship transitions into its thrilling knockout phase, highlighted by a highly anticipated quarter-final clash on Thursday between England and Sweden. Meanwhile, with the Club World Cup concluded, the transfer market is buzzing with activity.
📺 Daily Football Schedule (U.S. / Eastern Time)
- Wednesday, July 16
- 🇪🇺 UEFA Women`s Euro: Norway vs. Italy, 3 p.m. ET (Fox)
- 🌎 Copa America Feminina: Bolivia vs. Brazil, 5 p.m. ET (FS1)
- 🌎 Copa America Feminina: Venezuela vs. Colombia, 8 p.m. ET (FS1)
- 🇺🇸 MLS: Seattle Sounders vs. Colorado Rapids, 10 p.m. ET (FS1)
- Thursday, July 17
- 🇪🇺 UEFA Women`s Euro: Sweden vs. England, 3 p.m. ET (Fox)
⚽ The Forward Line: Women`s Euro Enters Quarterfinals
The UEFA Women`s Euro tournament has reached its decisive knockout stage in Switzerland, with the quarterfinals kicking off this Wednesday. Norway and Italy will open the round at Stade de Geneve, marking their first quarter-final appearance since 2013. The spotlight will then shift to Zurich on Thursday for the eagerly awaited match-up between England and Sweden, considered the highlight of the last eight.
England`s second-place finish in a highly competitive Group D has set up this encounter with Sweden, who clinched the top spot in Group C ahead of Germany. While reigning champions England are technically favored, their opening loss to France raises questions about their resilience against physically robust opponents. Conversely, Sweden`s dominant 4-1 victory over a 10-woman Germany in their group stage finale indicates they are no longer an underdog team. Both teams showcased their strong qualities during the group stage, earning them high rankings in Sandra Herrera`s Women`s Euro Power Rankings.
- Herrera`s Insight: “[England] had a very poor opening day performance against France, looking clueless and rattled throughout the majority of the game, and it seeped onto the sidelines as well as manager Sarina Wiegman made few adjustments. Maybe it was a wake-up call, because the Lionesses rallied through the group stage, and Ella Toone, Alessia Russo, and Georgia Stanway are leading the charge on the pitch … [Sweden] do a very good job of managing the opponent in front of them, and they showed that they can be clinical when high stakes are involved. Despite earlier matches where they sometimes left too many chances on the pitch, they made them count against group rivals Germany to win the group and look like a dangerous threat heading into the knockout rounds.”
The quarterfinals will continue on Friday and Saturday. Spain will face hosts Switzerland in a match heavily tilted in favor of the Women`s World Cup winners. The final quarter-final will see France take on Germany – a fixture worth watching closely. Germany arrived in Switzerland with renewed vigor, having turned the page on their 2023 World Cup group stage exit by securing a bronze medal at last year`s Olympics. However, their Euro performance has been less impressive, partly due to captain Giulia Gwinn`s tournament-ending injury in their opening match. Germany will need to prove their capabilities against France, a team keen to shed its reputation for underperforming in major competitions. France`s attack has proven effective, and their victory over England demonstrated their ability to perform in crucial moments.
This Weekend`s Football Highlights
🔗 Midfield Link Play: Transfer Market Heats Up
🔴 Liverpool Targets Newcastle Star Striker
Top European clubs are actively bolstering their attacking options this week in preparation for the upcoming season, with Premier League champions Liverpool making headlines. The Reds have already secured significant talent this summer, including the prominent attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz, who joined recently. However, Liverpool`s transfer activity seems far from over as they reportedly eye Newcastle United`s Alexander Isak to further strengthen their potential new-look attack. While Liverpool has reportedly initiated contact with Newcastle, a formal bid is yet to be submitted. The prospective transfer fee for the Swedish international, who boasts 62 goals in 109 appearances for his club, is expected to be substantial, with Newcastle reportedly valuing him around $160 million.
Such a high-profile transfer often triggers a ripple effect across the market. Newcastle, for instance, is reportedly considering Eintracht Frankfurt`s Hugo Ekitike, a player Liverpool is also rumored to be interested in. This situation also raises questions about potential departures from Anfield, even as Liverpool aims to accumulate as many attack-minded players as possible. CBS Sports` James Benge reports that Liverpool recently declined Bayern Munich`s $78.6 million offer for Luis Diaz, indicating their strong intent to retain him despite their expanding squad depth.
Elsewhere in Europe, a couple of U.S. men`s national team players have finalized significant career moves. Midfielder Johnny Cardoso has officially transferred from Real Betis to Atletico Madrid, a major step up with the World Cup less than a year away. Forward Patrick Agyemang has moved from MLS` Charlotte FC to Derby County in the Championship. This is also a notable move for Agyemang; despite not breaking out at this summer`s Concacaf Gold Cup, he remains a strong contender for a World Cup roster spot, particularly with the No. 9 position still open. Here`s Chuck Booth`s assessment:
- Booth`s Analysis: `He started every game of the Concacaf Gold Cup, and his movement helped create space for others, but Agyemang also missed easy chances in games. In a physical league like the Championship, defenders will close down in space quicker, and he`ll have less time to make decisions, which is where accurate finishing is critical. … Agyemang has a profile that could also lead to success, but he joins a team that struggled to put the ball in the net. Only scoring 48 goals in 46 matches, Derby will need all the goals that they can get from him, but there`s also room for him to be a hit there if he can hit the ground running. Joining now ahead of preseason while already being match fit from MLS will give Agyemang every opportunity to earn the starting role and run with it. Grade: A`
Adding to the excitement, Lionel Messi may soon be reunited with a close friend at Inter Miami, and this time, it`s not a player past their prime.
🔗 Top Football Stories
- 2026 World Cup Tickets: FIFA is set to launch its initial ticketing draw for the 2026 World Cup in September, just under a year before the tournament commences.
- Most Expensive Transfers: A review of the summer`s priciest transfers reveals Liverpool and Arsenal as leading spenders so far.
- Chelsea`s Club World Cup Win: While Chelsea`s victory in the Club World Cup puts them back in contention for the Premier League title, their consistency for England`s top flight remains a question.
- Club World Cup Takeaways: The recent Club World Cup was marked by surprises, hot weather, empty stands, and poor pitches, prompting debate over the tournament`s overall significance.
- De Bruyne`s New Number: Kevin de Bruyne might wear the No. 10 jersey at Napoli, following in the footsteps of club legend Diego Maradona.
💰 The Back Line: Best Bets
💵 Betting Insights
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UEFA Women`s Euro: Tournament Winner
💰 THE PICK: England to win the Women`s Euro (+440) – Spain might remain the strong favorites, and England faces a challenging quarterfinal against Sweden. However, the Lionesses possess the qualities to win the entire competition, despite their tough path. There`s a strong argument they were unfortunate to lose to France in the group stage, leading to a second-place finish. Since then, England has been a dominant force, making them a genuine contender against Sweden on Thursday. If they overcome that challenge, their credentials to lift the trophy will be undeniable.
For additional picks, predictions, expert advice, and the latest betting news, visit our betting homepage.
📺 What We`re Watching: CBS Sports Golazo Network
📺 On CBS Sports Golazo Network
- ☀️ Morning Footy (Weekdays 8-10 a.m. ET): Start your day with Golazo Network`s flagship morning show, featuring highlights, interviews, and the biggest soccer storylines. Also available as a podcast.
- ☀️ Morning Footy (10 a.m. ET Special Edition): A special edition of the flagship morning show will kick off Golazo Network`s big game coverage, with highlights, interviews, and major soccer storylines. Also available as a podcast.
- 🏆 Champions League Today (1 p.m. ET): Kate Scott hosts pre-game studio coverage alongside analysts Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards. Coverage from Allianz Arena in Munich starts at 1 p.m. ET on Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network, followed by coverage on CBS and Paramount+ starting at 1:30 p.m. ET.
- ⚽ The Champions Club (5:30 p.m. ET): Join Poppy Miller, Mike Grella, Nigel Reo-Coker, Tony Meola, and Jimmy Conrad for live reactions and match analysis, breaking down all the action from the Champions League final.
- 🥅 Scoreline (7 p.m. ET): Scoreline is your go-to for catching up on the biggest news and results in global football, match highlights from top competitions, and all the day`s unmissable goals. Airs seven days a week.
- 📺 How to Watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network is a free 24/7 channel dedicated to comprehensive coverage of top soccer competitions worldwide. Stream for free on the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.
