Spain as soon as once more confirmed their attacking risk at this European Championships by dismantling Belgium 6-2 to all however qualify for the quarter-finals.
Ought to Portugal fail to beat Italy within the later sport on Monday night time, then the world champions’ last-eight spot can be confirmed. Belgium want Portugal to win to remain within the competitors.
After thrashing Portugal 5-0 within the first sport, Spain briefly discovered this sport a bit trickier – regardless of taking the lead halfway by means of the half courtesy of Alexia Putellas, who was arrange by the good Vicky Lopez contained in the field.
Spain did present defensive vulnerabilities for the primary time within the event – beginning with set-pieces. Two minutes after Putellas’ opener, Justine Vanhaevermaet had the straightforward activity of heading in from shut vary through a nook, to spark confidence into Belgium.
Belgium’s Justine Vanhaevermaet celebrates scoring her facet’s equaliser towards Spain at Euro 2025
That confidence lasted till six minutes earlier than half-time when Spain scored from a nook of their very own – captain Irene Paredes slamming dwelling a header excessive into the online after coming again into the crew.
But the second half had extra twists in retailer. After half-time substitute Aitana Bonmati flashed a shot vast, Hannah Eurlings burst by means of on aim for Belgium and completed effectively. The offside flag went up however the semi-automated offside expertise gave the aim.
That Belgian pleasure lasted simply 90 seconds as Putellas confirmed aptitude to launch Esther Gonzalez into the field, with the striker ending effectively for her third aim of those championships.
Spain’s Esther Gonzalez celebrates scoring her facet’s third aim towards Belgium at Euro 2025
Spain lastly opened up a two-goal buffer on the hour mark as WSL Participant of the Season Mariona Caldentey received in on the act as she tucked dwelling a nook from shut vary after Paredes and Gonzalez noticed efforts ricocheted into the air.
Spain’s shot depend saved rising and rising – with Putellas denied a second by the woodwork and Caldentey going shut once more. However ultimately the online rippled once more as Claudia Pina scored a trademark long-range magnificence for 5-2, earlier than Putellas received her second from shut vary.
Belgium noticed a Tresa Wuillert comfort aim dominated out for offside however Spain’s dominance was summed up by their 33 efforts on aim. Whereas Belgium gave them a few scares, this Spain crew look the actual deal.
Evaluation: Spain will take some stopping
Spain’s earlier document for objectives at a European Championships beforehand stood at six. This event, they’ve managed 11 after simply two video games to blast by means of the document books. They’ve even completed it with eight completely different goalscorers.
If there was any doubt, there should not be now: Spain have the perfect assault within the event. Alexia Putellas ran the present towards Belgium – taking up the midfield management from Aitana Bonmati, who was solely match sufficient for the second half.
Esther Gonzalez has three objectives already on this event, whereas 18-year-old Vicky Lopez confirmed her vibrant potential with an ideal first half show. With Patricia Guijarro so essential in that midfield as effectively, there is not sufficient room to suit all of those attacking skills to play without delay.
Regardless of the scoreline taking the type of a thriller, Spain completely battered Belgium with over 30 photographs on aim.
The world champions are making an actual assertion right here – and whereas Barcelona’s Champions League remaining efficiency exhibits it may possibly all come crashing down, it can take some effort to cease this crew.
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