🇪🇸 Spain 6 – 2 Belgium 🇧🇪
Scorers
- Spain: Putellas (22’, 86’), Paredes (39’), Esther González (52’), Mariona Caldentey (61’), Pina (81’)
- Belgium: Vanhaevermaet (24’), Eurlings (50’)
Match Stats
- Possession: Spain 79.8% – Belgium 20.2%
- Shots: Spain 33 – Belgium 4
- Shots on Target: Spain 9 – Belgium 3
- Expected Goals (xG): Spain 2.99 – Belgium 0.75
Spain Cruise into Quarterfinals
The defending world champions officially booked their spot in the quarterfinals, while Belgium were eliminated after suffering a second straight defeat. The scoreline may suggest a blowout, but Belgium gave the reigning champions more trouble than most teams have managed.
⚽ Near-Perfect Opening
Spain dominated the early going, misplacing just one pass in the first 20 minutes. Their relentless ball control paid off in the 22nd minute when Caldentey and Guijarro linked up, and a quick clipped pass from Lopez freed Putellas to slot home from 10 yards out.
Just a minute later, Belgium stunned Spain with an equalizer, as Vanhaevermaet headed in a corner from Wullaert that was won straight off the kickoff.
🔁 Spain Keep Probing
Despite conceding, Spain continued pressing forward. Their second goal came from a set piece—Paredes rose highest at the back post to head in a Pina corner. They nearly added a third before halftime, but Janssens made a critical goal-line clearance.
💥 Belgium Bite Back
The second half opened with a spark from Belgium. Their high-energy pressing was rewarded in the 50th minute when Wullaert’s through ball found Eurlings, who finished off the post to level the match again.
🔥 Spain Turn Ruthless
Belgium’s goal lit a fire under Spain. Less than two minutes later, Putellas threaded a perfect pass to Esther González, who restored the lead with a clinical finish. The floodgates opened:
- Caldentey made it 4-2 in the 61st minute after a failed clearance
- Pina curled in a stunning strike from 20 yards in the 81st
- Putellas added her second after another corner wasn’t cleared
Belgium appeared to score a late consolation, but VAR ruled it offside.
Spain advance, while Belgium exit with two spirited but ultimately unsuccessful performances. Spain face Italy next, needing a point to top the group.
🇵🇹 Portugal 1 – 1 Italy 🇮🇹
Scorers
- Portugal: Diana Gomes (89’)
- Italy: Girelli (70’)
Match Stats
- Possession: Portugal 56.7% – Italy 43.3%
- Shots: Portugal 5 – Italy 14
- Shots on Target: Portugal 1 – Italy 6
- Expected Goals (xG): Portugal 0.31 – Italy 1.27
Portugal Steal a Point Late
Portugal stayed alive in Group B thanks to an 89th-minute equalizer and survived despite a late red card. Italy missed their chance to qualify early and must now face Spain to secure progression.
🇮🇹 Italian Craft in the First Half
Italy bossed the first half, allowing Portugal possession but shutting them down in the final third. They created a few quality chances: one from a set piece, another from a Girelli shot just before halftime, both saved brilliantly by Morais.
✨ Girelli’s Moment of Magic
The breakthrough came in the 70th minute from Cristiana Girelli. The Serie A Femminile top scorer received the ball at the top of the box, cut inside, and curled an unstoppable shot into the far top corner. Italy were in full control and minutes away from the knockouts.
⚡ The Storm Hits
Then chaos. Portugal pushed forward, Italy countered—suddenly, it was end-to-end action. Portugal thought they equalized in the 84th, but Diana Silva was ruled offside before scoring.
Four minutes later, substitute Diana Gomes looped in a bizarre yet effective finish over the keeper. Despite Ana Borges getting sent off for a second yellow, Portugal held firm to earn the draw.
Group B Standings
| Team | GF | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain (Q) | 11 | 2 | +9 | 6 |
| Italy | 2 | 1 | +1 | 4 |
| Portugal | 1 | 6 | -5 | 1 |
| Belgium | 2 | 7 | -5 | 0 |
🔮 Next Fixtures
- Italy vs Spain
- Portugal vs Belgium
