Belgium Shocks England While Spain Thrashes Portugal in Women’s Nations League Action

Spain delivered an emphatic 7-1 victory against Portugal on Tuesday to ascend to the top of their group in the Women’s Nations League, while European champions England faced a surprising 3-2 defeat in Belgium.

In Vigo, the world champions established dominance early, with Salma Paralluelo netting the opening goal just two minutes into the match.

Aitana Bonmati, a two-time reigning Ballon d’Or winner, followed suit with a spectacular second goal six minutes later, before adding a third just twelve minutes in.

Alexia Putellas, the other female double Ballon d’Or recipient, scored Spain’s fourth goal just before the half-hour mark.

Mariona Caldentey added Spain’s fifth in the 47th minute.

Putellas continued the onslaught, scoring again in the 51st minute with a brilliant turn and well-placed finish.

Esther Gonzalez rounded off the scoring for Spain an hour into the match, while Pina Fonseca managed to score a consolation goal for the visitors with 19 minutes left.

“We witnessed a lot of positive aspects,” stated Spain’s coach Montse Tome.

“I would emphasise our scoring ability; despite fewer attempts, we managed to find the net frequently. The team’s collective efforts were exceptional, which translated into goals.”

This result placed Spain atop Group A3, two points clear of England after the Euro 2022 champions were stunned by Belgium.

Sarina Wiegman’s team had previously defeated Belgium 5-0 in Bristol just four days earlier, but after making several changes for the return match, they suffered their first loss of the season.

“It’s disappointing, and we’ve made it much harder for ourselves,” remarked England captain Leah Williamson in an interview with ITV.

“We started slowly and didn’t adapt quickly enough, failing to capitalise on our chances.

“With two games remaining, we should have won this, which is why we feel frustrated.”

Belgium surged to a commanding 3-0 lead within 30 minutes in Leuven, with Tessa Wullaert scoring twice around a header from Justine Vanhaevermaet.

Beth Mead brought one back for England from the penalty spot on 35 minutes, and Michelle Agyemang set up a thrilling finish with a goal in the 81st minute, but Belgium held on for their first points in the competition.

France Maintain Perfect Record

France secured a 2-0 win in Oslo with goals from Sandy Baltimore and Clara Mateo in the closing 15 minutes.

The deadlock was broken in the 76th minute by Baltimore, who combined with teammate Grace Geyoro.

Moments after coming on, Mateo sealed the win with a header in the 85th minute.

Norway’s Frida Maanum hit the crossbar, yet Laurent Bonadei’s French side maintained their stronghold to remain the sole team in League A with a flawless record.

France currently leads Group A2 with a perfect 12 points, while Norway occupies second place with four points. Iceland and Switzerland, who played to a 3-3 draw, complete the group.

In Group A1, Germany showcased an electrifying second-half performance to claim a 6-1 victory over Scotland in Wolfsburg.

Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir shocked the home side with an opening goal just before half-time following a goalkeeping mistake.

Selina Cerci scored twice within six minutes to turn the game on its head before the hour mark.

Giovanna Hoffmann netted two goals in quick succession in the 63rd and 65th minutes, followed by Laura Freigang extending the lead with a clever backheel just two minutes later.

Cerci completed her hat-trick with a powerful strike in the 76th minute.

Germany sits atop their group with 10 points, while the Netherlands is second on goal difference following their 3-1 victory over Austria.

Austria took the lead early on, but Wieke Kaptein equalised quickly. Second-half goals from Danielle van de Donk and Vivianne Miedema secured the win for the Dutch.

Despite a 1-1 draw against Wales, Sweden remains at the top of Group A4, while Italy trails in second place with six points after a 3-0 triumph against Denmark.