Spain as soon as once more confirmed their attacking menace 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 evening, 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 little bit trickier – regardless of taking the lead halfway via 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 job of heading in from shut vary through a nook, to spark confidence into Belgium.
That confidence lasted till six minutes earlier than half-time when Spain scored from a nook of their very own – captain Irene Paredes slamming house a header excessive into the web after coming again into the staff.
But the second half had extra twists in retailer. After half-time substitute Aitana Bonmati flashed a shot large, Hannah Eurlings burst via on purpose for Belgium and completed effectively. The offside flag went up however the semi-automated offside know-how gave the purpose.
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 purpose of those championships.
Spain’s Esther Gonzalez celebrates scoring her aspect’s third purpose 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 obtained in on the act as she tucked house a nook from shut vary after Paredes and Gonzalez noticed efforts ricocheted into the air.
Spain’s shot rely saved rising and rising – with Putellas denied a second by the woodwork and Caldentey going shut once more. However ultimately the web rippled once more as Claudia Pina scored a trademark long-range magnificence for 5-2, earlier than Putellas obtained her second from shut vary.
Belgium noticed a Tresa Wuillert comfort purpose dominated out for offside however Spain’s dominance was summed up by their 33 efforts on purpose. Whereas Belgium gave them a few scares, this Spain staff look the actual deal.
Evaluation: Spain will take some stopping
Spain’s earlier report for objectives at a European Championships beforehand stood at six. This event, they’ve managed 11 after simply two video games to blast via the report books. They’ve even performed it with eight totally different goalscorers.
If there was any doubt, there should not be now: Spain have the very best 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 shiny potential with an excellent first half show. With Patricia Guijarro so essential in that midfield as effectively, there is not sufficient room to suit all of those attacking abilities to play without delay.
Regardless of the scoreline taking the type of a thriller, Spain completely battered Belgium with over 30 pictures on purpose.
The world champions are making an actual assertion right here – and whereas Barcelona’s Champions League closing efficiency reveals it will possibly all come crashing down, it should take some effort to cease this staff.
