UEFA Women’s Nations League: Spain Overcomes Challenge, England Settles for Draw

Spain commenced their defence of the Women’s Nations League title with a gripping 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Belgium on Friday, while European champions England could only manage a 1-1 draw against Portugal.

In Valencia, Mariam Toloba stunned the 2023 World Cup winners by giving Belgium an unexpected early lead, followed by a second goal from Tessa Wullaert in the 72nd minute.

Spain, among the frontrunners for Euro 2025 this summer—where they will meet Belgium once more—began their resurgence with Claudia Pina scoring to reduce the deficit.

Lucia Garcia equalised in stoppage time, and Benfica’s Cristina Martin-Prieto secured the win with a thunderous strike just before the final whistle.

The Spanish side was missing two-time Ballon d’Or recipient Alexia Putellas due to injury, as well as World Cup standout Jenni Hermoso, who was not included in coach Montse Tome’s squad.

The 34-year-old recently triumphed in her sexual assault case against the former Spanish football federation president, Luis Rubiales.

Belgium’s coach, Elisabet Gunnarsdottir, faced a daunting challenge in her first match in charge.

Last year, Spain dominated Belgium in Euro 2025 qualifying, winning 9-0 over two matches.

“I’m thrilled; the team truly deserved this win. It was crucial for us to claim all three points here,” said Martin-Prieto, who was called up late to replace the injured Amaiur Sarriegi.

‘Not dwelling on the Euros’

In the same group, England and Portugal ended in a 1-1 stalemate in Portimao.

Alessio Russo opened the scoring for England in the 15th minute, converting a close-range chance from a Lucy Bronze cross.

However, the hosts levelled the match in the 76th minute thanks to a superb effort from substitute Kika Nazareth, who outmaneuvered Grace Clinton before bending the ball into the net’s corner.

“They scored a fantastic goal, but we needed to defend better there,” commented England’s coach Sarina Wiegman, whose team will aim to defend their European title in Switzerland later this year.

“I’m not focusing on the Euros right now; my sole focus is on next Wednesday’s match against Spain. It’ll be a challenging game, and we’ll strive to secure a win.”

In a rematch of last year’s third-place playoff, the Netherlands managed a 2-2 draw against Germany in Breda, thanks to a brace from Lineth Beerensteyn.

Germany had emerged victorious in the playoff last year, winning 2-0 and qualifying for the Paris Olympics, where they later claimed the bronze medal.

On Friday, Beerensteyn, playing for Wolfsburg in Germany, scored in the 15th minute, only to see her effort cancelled out by Lea Schueller just before half-time.

Sjoeke Nuesken put Germany ahead early in the second half after a pass from Jule Brand. However, Beerensteyn, last season’s top scorer in the tournament, ensured the Dutch earned a point with a header from a Chastity Grant cross in the 66th minute.

France, who were runners-up to Spain in 2024, edged past Norway 1-0 in Toulouse, thanks to a 73rd-minute goal by Marie-Antoinette Katoto.

The match also marked Eugenie Le Sommer’s achievement of equalling Sandrine Soubeyrand’s record with 198 caps for France as she came off the bench.