Spain sails past Belgium to secure quarter-final spot at EURO 2025

Spain, the pre-tournament favourites, have secured their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Women’s European Championship for the fourth consecutive time, overcoming an early scare to triumph 6-2 against Belgium.

La Roja opened the scoring just two minutes into the match, having previously thrashed Portugal 5-0 in their first game, and they nearly repeated that performance when Vicky Lopez shot wide from outside the area.

For a time, Spain struggled to break through, with only Olga Carmona threatening as she narrowly missed the target from long range.

The breakthrough came from Alexia Putellas, who skillfully curled a shot into the far corner with the outside of her boot from a wide position within the box.

However, Spain’s lead was short-lived as Justine Vanhaevermaet equalised with a powerful header, getting on the end of Tessa Wullaert’s corner kick.

Despite this setback, the world champions remained unfazed and almost regained their lead when Esther Gonzalez’s header drifted wide, followed by Irene Paredes volleying off-target from an acute angle.

Yet, the captain soon found her aim, scoring with a thunderous header to restore Spain’s advantage at 2-1 after connecting with a deep corner.

They could have extended their lead before half-time, but a fantastic goal-line clearance by Jill Janssens denied Lopez, while Aitana Bonmati shot wide soon after the break.

Spain was punished for their missed opportunities as Belgium equalised at 2-2, thanks to Hannah Eurlings, who, despite an offside flag, was deemed onside by VAR for her perfectly-timed run, scoring with a precise finish.

Montserrat Tome’s side responded swiftly, reclaiming the lead as Gonzalez, brilliantly set up by Putellas, evaded the offside trap to slide the ball past Lisa Lichtfus, making it 3-2.

Spain quickly extended their lead to two goals when Mariona Caldentey benefited from a scramble in the box to slot the ball into the bottom corner from close range.

Though numerous chances came and went, it was Pina who put the match to bed, skillfully manoeuvring the ball onto her right foot before curling a stunning shot into the top corner from 22 yards out.

Further drama ensued as Putellas netted her second of the evening with a clever flick, while Wullaert’s potential consolation goal was disallowed for a narrow offside earlier in the play.

Spain’s six-goal tally matches their highest total ever scored in a single EUROs tournament, whilst Belgium, laden with disappointment, now needs Italy to fall to Portugal in the later fixture to keep their hopes alive.