World Cup champion Spain closed in on the quarterfinals of the Women’s European Championship with one other assertion victory, 6-2 over Belgium on Monday.
It was, surprisingly, the primary time Spain gained back-to-back matches on the Euros, after beating Portugal in its opener, 5-0.
With 11 targets in two matches, Spain and its star-packed squad reside as much as its billing because the match favourite.
Spain will safe a spot within the quarterfinals if Italy avoids defeat in opposition to Portugal later — a outcome that will additionally eradicate Belgium.
Spain laid siege to the Belgium aim from the beginning. Mariona Caldentey performed in a stunning go from the sting of the world to Vicky López, who cushioned it on for Alexia Putellas to comb into the far nook.
[MORE: Spain’s New Star, Vicky López, Announces Her Presence at Euro 2025]
Nonetheless, Spain’s Twenty second-minute lead lasted barely two minutes earlier than Justine Vanhaevermaet headed in Tessa Wullaert’s nook on the close to publish.
Spain captain Irene Paredes was taking part in her first match of the match after being suspended from the opener, and he or she made it 2-1 earlier than the break when she headed in a nook.
Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí was introduced on at halftime. She was hospitalized for viral meningitis earlier than the match and performed solely eight minutes in opposition to Portugal.
Belgium leveled once more by Hannah Eurlings shortly after the restart. It was initially dominated out for offside however awarded by the VAR.
Lower than a minute later, Spain led for a 3rd time when Putellas performed in Esther González for the veteran ahead to attain her third aim of the match. When a González effort was blocked, the ball was not cleared and Caldentey fired in Spain’s fourth.
Clàudia Pina curled a luxurious 20-yard effort into the highest proper nook and there was nonetheless time for Putellas — one other two-time Ballon d’Or winner — to web her second of the match.
Reporting by The Related Press.
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