Those spots will have owners by Tuesday, April 13, after the six nations that clinched a playoff spot in the qualifiers play home and away legs. Ukraine, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Russia, Czech Republic and Switzerland will be the six nations that will fight for the three remaining tickets to England 2022.
The three playoff winners will join Austria, Belgium, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, holders the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden in the UEFA Women's EURO 2022 Finals in England.
The Czech Republic vs. Switzerland preview
The Czech Republic will enter the two-legged playoff matchup against Switzerland as the underdog. The the Czechs have never qualified to a Women’s EURO and lost their two playoff appearances in 2005 and 2009 against Italy. Czechia finished second in Group D after five wins, two losses and one draw.
Meanwhile, the Swiss fell short of qualifying directly to the Finals in England by losing to Belgium 4-0 in the final matchday of group stages. Unlike Czech Republic, Switzerland has UEFA Women’s Euro experience after participating in the Netherlands in 2017. However, Switzerland suffered an early exit finishing behind France by just one point.
First leg: Friday, April 9, at 10 a.m. ET in Czech Republic (Letni Stadion Chomutov)
Second leg: Tuesday, April 13, at 2 p.m. ET in Switzerland (Stockhorn Arena)
Ukraine vs. Northern Ireland preview
Ukraine finished second place in Group I behind Germany, winning five games and losing three – both games against Germany and one against third-place Ireland. The Ukrainians have appeared in three previous playoffs in 2013, 2009 and 2001. The only time they qualified for the Women’s EURO finals was in 2009 when they defeated Slovenia 5-0 on aggregate.
On the other hand, Northern Ireland reached the playoffs for the first time in its history. The Northern Irish won four games, drew two and lost two in Group C action, finishing in second place above Wales. History will be made if they can defeat Ukraine and make it to a EURO Finals for the first time.
First leg: Friday, April 9, at 12 noon ET in Ukraine (Stadion)
Second leg: Tuesday, April 13, at 2:45 p.m. ET in Northern Ireland (Seaview)
Russia vs. Portugal preview
Russia won eight games and lost two against Group A winners the Netherlands to finish second in the group above Slovenia. The Russians will be looking for their seventh appearance in the UEFA Women’s Championships finals, and to avenge their short-lived run in the Netherlands in 2017.
On the flipside, Portugal is looking for back-to-back appearances in the tournament. The Portuguese made their European Championship debut in 2017 where they were knocked out in group stages by a head-to-head tiebreaker with Spain and Scotland. Unlike Russia, Portugal won its previous playoff appearance in 2017 when they defeated Romania on away goals.
First leg: Friday, April 9, at 1:30 p.m. ET in Portugal (Estadio de Restelo)
Second leg: Tuesday, April 13, at 10 a.m. ET in Russia (Sapsan Arena)
