Italy Edge Belgium in Tight UEFA EURO 2025 Group B Opener
Final Score: Belgium 0 – 1 Italy
Goal: Caruso (44′)
The self-proclaimed dark horses of the UEFA EURO 2025 tournament, Italy, kicked off their campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Group B rivals Belgium. Bayern Munich’s Arianna Caruso provided the difference with a composed finish just before halftime.
Rope-a-Doppio: Belgium’s Counter-Attack Strategy
The first 30 minutes featured little in the way of goalmouth action, but Belgium’s strategy quickly became apparent. They were content to allow Italy possession, even in their own half, only snapping into aggressive tackles once Italy crossed into the final third. Belgium created some promising counterattacks, but none resulted in clear chances. Forward Tessa Wullaert stood out early with a complete first-half performance—dropping deep, linking play, and nearly scoring in the 32nd minute. She faded after halftime as Italy took over, but was clearly a first-half threat.
One Moment of Quality Makes the Difference
With the match drifting toward a scoreless halftime, a moment of brilliance from Caruso broke the deadlock. Under pressure outside the center circle, Caruso played a clever flick into space for Di Guglielmo. After a deflected run and a switch of play, Caruso found herself on the edge of the area. She cut inside and delivered a crisp strike to the near post, wrong-footing both a defender and goalkeeper Lichtfus. It was a standout goal in an otherwise even contest.
Italy Close the Door
Belgium were expected to come out strong after the break, but it was Italy who took control. Confident with the lead, they slowed the pace, kept the ball, and choked off Belgium’s counterattacks. Italy had the better chances after the break—Girelli saw a flick cleared off the line in the 63rd, and Cambiaghi forced a diving save. Once stoppage time arrived, Italy managed the clock expertly with tactical fouls and possession deep in Belgium’s half.
Italy now have a strong chance to advance from Group B, while Belgium will likely need points from their match against powerhouse Spain to stay alive.
Spain Cruise Past Portugal in Emotional Night
Final Score: Spain 5 – 0 Portugal
Goals: Esther González (2’, 43’), Vicky López (7’), Alexia Putellas (41’), Cristina Martín-Prieto (90+3’)
Before kickoff, a moment of silence honored Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident along with his brother André Silva. The emotion was heavy as fans paid tribute, holding shirts bearing his name and number.
Vicky López Steps Up in Bonmatí’s Absence
World Cup champions Spain opened their Euro 2025 campaign with a dominant 5-0 win over Portugal. Despite missing Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí—recovering from illness—18-year-old Vicky López stepped up in a big way. After Esther González’s classy 3rd-minute opener, López burst in at the back post to make it 2-0 by the 7th. Her movement, passing, and vision created continuous chances, including one that Putellas nearly converted.
Portugal’s Brief Glimmer
After 30 minutes of Spanish dominance, Portugal found some attacking rhythm through Jessica and Diana Silva. Their pace was unmatched—but they often lacked support and were easily outnumbered. Two late goals before halftime from Putellas and González made it 4-0. Portugal made adjustments after the break, appearing more compact, but still failed to pose a consistent threat. Their best chance came in the 74th minute, but Capeta fired over from a promising position.
Bonmatí’s Return and Spain’s Statement
Bonmatí came on late and immediately reminded everyone of her brilliance. Her energy and vision helped set up the fifth goal, with Cristina Martín-Prieto heading in a cross from Salma Paralluelo. Spain looked every bit the tournament favorites, and perhaps the scariest part—they’re just getting started.
Portugal, meanwhile, must now focus on their next match against Italy. Anything less than a point could see them eliminated after just two games.
Next Fixtures:
Spain vs Belgium, Italy vs Portugal, Monday, July 7
