Euros

An excursion with 17yo across to Manchester saw us take in one of the group games of the Women’s Euros which are just underway and are being staged across England.

Belgium were taking on Iceland at Manchester City Women’s Academy Stadium.  The ground sits in the shadow of main Etihad Stadium, as can be seen in today’s main image. We were on the mainly neutral side of the ground with the main Iceland and Belgium blocks of fans in the stands opposite. However there was no formal segregation and plenty of fans of all nations were mingling quite happily throughout.  Iceland probably had the edge in fan numbers and chants, aided by a few rousing renditions of their famous thunderclap (extra).

Iceland had the better of the first half and took the lead shortly after having a penalty saved. The Belgians came back more strongly in the second half and equalised through a penalty (main image).  1-1 it finished. 

The very hot conditions must have been challenging to play in. They were certainly challenging to watch in, particularly as we were in the NE corner and therefore in full sun for the entire game. We made sure to keeep well topped up with sun block and water.

A few more images are in extras, and perhaps it’s worth reflecting on a photographic point - the screen in the images is essentially a reverse image of the same scene, but with a fractional delay.  There will me more Euro22 coverage from me later in the week.