As the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 group stage approaches its climax, Matchday 2 for Group B delivered fireworks, heartbreak, and brilliance. In Geneva, Portugal and Italy played out a tense 1–1 draw that kept Portugal’s hopes flickering and prevented Italy from sealing early progression. Meanwhile, in Zurich, a merciless Spain overwhelmed Belgium 6–2 in a goal-laden spectacle to become the first team from the group to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
This round of matches not only reshaped the group standings but also confirmed Spain’s attacking superiority, put pressure on Italy to survive their next test, and signaled the end of the road for Belgium.
Portugal 1–1 Italy
Late Drama Keeps Portugal Alive
Venue: Stade de Genève, Geneva
Scorers:
- Italy – Cristiana Girelli (70′)
- Portugal – Diana Gomes (89′)
A game defined by tension and resilience, the Portugal–Italy clash saw both sides chasing different objectives—Italy eyeing qualification with a win, and Portugal desperate to stay in contention after a loss to Spain in their opener.
Match Summary
Italy broke the deadlock through the experienced Cristiana Girelli in the 70th minute. Her left-footed effort curled beautifully beyond Portuguese goalkeeper Patrícia Morais, capping a well-worked move. Just when Italy seemed poised to book their place in the quarter-finals, Portugal responded.
In the 89th minute, Diana Gomes capitalized on a loose ball from a corner and smashed home a thunderous equalizer that sent the Portuguese bench into raptures. The late goal not only salvaged a point but also left Group B’s second spot wide open.
Key Moments
- 27’ – Diana Silva’s goal ruled out for offside after VAR review.
- 52’ – Girelli narrowly missed a header from close range.
- 70’ – Girelli scores a sensational goal to put Italy ahead.
- 89’ – Diana Gomes fires in the equalizer from a rebound.
- 90+5’ – Ana Borges is shown a red card for a second bookable offense, leaving Portugal to finish with ten.
Standout Performers
- Cristiana Girelli – Proved why she remains one of Europe’s most reliable forwards.
- Diana Gomes – Her late goal was a moment of sheer determination.
- Patrícia Morais – Kept Portugal in the game with a string of strong saves.
Impact
- Italy now sits on 4 points, needing at least a draw against Spain to qualify.
- Portugal, with 1 point, must beat Belgium in their final game—and hope for a favorable result in the other tie.
Spain 6–2 Belgium
Spanish Flair Crushes Belgian Hopes
Venue: Letzigrund Stadium, Zurich
Scorers:
- Spain – Putellas (22′, 86′), Paredes (39′), Esther (52′), Caldentey (61′), Pina (81′)
- Belgium – Vanhaevermaet (24′), Eurlings (50′)
Spain delivered a masterclass in attacking football, scoring six goals against a spirited but overrun Belgian side. Alexia Putellas once again showed her world-class ability, netting twice and dictating the rhythm from midfield.
Match Summary
Despite Spain’s early dominance, Belgium briefly leveled through Justine Vanhaevermaet, only for Spain to retake the lead before halftime. The second half turned into a Spanish exhibition of movement, precision, and lethal finishing.
Clàudia Pina’s late strike was arguably the pick of the bunch—a thunderous long-range shot that found the top corner. Belgium did get a second through Hannah Eurlings, but the damage had long been done.
⚡ Key Moments
- 22’ – Putellas slots home the opener after a flowing Spanish move.
- 24’ – Vanhaevermaet equalizes against the run of play.
- 39’ – Paredes powers in a header to restore Spain’s lead.
- 52’ – Esther finishes from close range to make it 3–1.
- 61’ & 81’ – Caldentey and Pina pile on the goals with finesse and flair.
- 86’ – Putellas caps her night with a second goal.
🌟 Standout Performers
- Alexia Putellas – Pulled the strings and delivered a captain’s performance.
- Clàudia Pina – Electrifying pace and a goal-of-the-tournament contender.
- Mariona Caldentey – A constant attacking threat and creative engine.
📊 Impact
- Spain, with 6 points and a +9 goal difference, are through to the quarter-finals.
- Belgium, now with 0 points, are officially eliminated.
- Spain may rotate their squad in the final group match, offering Portugal or Italy a potential opening.
Matchday Stats Snapshot
| Match | Possession | Shots (On Target) | Pass Accuracy | Corners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal vs Italy | ITA 55% – POR 45% | 9 (3) – 8 (3) | 83% – 79% | 4 – 5 |
| Spain vs Belgium | ESP 64% – BEL 36% | 18 (11) – 7 (3) | 90% – 77% | 6 – 2 |
Final Group B Standings (After 2 Matches)
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 2 | +9 | 6 |
| Italy | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 4 |
| Portugal | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 1 |
| Belgium | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 12 | -9 | 0 |
What’s Next?
Final Group B Fixtures – July 11, 2025
- Spain vs Italy – Will Spain rest key players or look to send Italy packing?
- Portugal vs Belgium – Can Portugal score big and hope for a miracle?
With one group spot locked down and the other up for grabs, the final matchday promises high drama.
Matchday 2 was a tale of two contests—Portugal vs Italy offered suspense and grit, while Spain vs Belgium dazzled with goals and flair. Spain looks unstoppable, while Italy must tread carefully. For Portugal, it’s all or nothing in their final showdown.
As the Women’s Euro 2025 continues to capture hearts and headlines, these performances reinforce how far the women’s game has come—and how much further it’s ready to go.
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