Relentless Spain reach Women’s Euro 2025 quarters after thumping Belgium

THUN – Spain reached the quarter-finals of Women’s Euro 2025 on July 7 after the world champions hammered Belgium 6-2 in Thun, while Italy were held to a 1-1 draw with Portugal at the death.

A brace from the magnificent Alexia Putellas and further goals from Irene Paredes, Esther Gonzalez, Mariona Caldentey and Claudia Pina gave Group B leaders Spain a second thumping win.

Montse Tome’s team will win the group on July 11 if they avoid defeat by Italy, who are two points behind La Roja in second after being denied qualification late on by third-placed Portugal.

Few would bet on Spain failing to secure first place after two blistering performances in which they have netted 11 times.

“We knew they would try to sit back and hold us off at the beginning, we could have been better, sure, but you need to adapt during the game. We managed to do that and create good opportunities,” Tome told reporters.

“We have to improve but we did what we planned to do.”

Belgium, who twice levelled through Justine Vanhaevermaet and Hannah Eurlings, have been knocked out after eventually being blown away by relentless waves of attacking football.

They acquitted themselves well until Caldentey forced home Spain’s fourth in the 61st minute, defending with grit and causing problems with some punchy breakaway football.

“It was difficult because I really believed in what we were doing and I loved seeing my players give everything they had,” said Belgium coach Elisabet Gunnarsdottir.

“I really think we gave them a game for at least 60 minutes, a really good game... I’m proud of them.”

On this form, Spain look a class above the rest of the field and clear favourites to win the country’s first women’s European crown.

Later, Italy thought they were joining Spain in the quarters when Cristiana Girelli opened the scoring in Geneva with a brilliant curling effort with 20 minutes remaining.

The Azzurre were saved 10 minutes later when Diana Silva was denied a leveller when she was ruled offside by the video assistant referee, following her rebound finish from a corner.

But in the 89th minute, Diana Gomes lobbed home a leveller which gave Portugal a point and kept them in the competition moments after Carole Costa headed onto the crossbar.

“It was a very tough match, open right to the end... a very open match against a Portugal team that gave everything,” said Italy coach Andrea Soncin.

“It’s a shame because we were in the quarters with a few minutes remaining but it’s all still in our hands.”

Gomes’ goal could be huge as Portugal, who trail the Italians by three points, face Belgium while Italy take on Spain.

Italy have a goal difference which is six better off than Portugal but with a rampant Spain up next, a big swing is not implausible. AFP