Matchday two of Euro 2025 is done and dusted and it was Italy and Spain who clinched the first victories in Group B.
Six goals across both games and some scintillating football in Sion, Women’s Euro 2025 had all the action in Group B.
Thursday evening saw the Italians reign victorious after a close encounter between themselves and Belgium was decided by a curling strike from Arianna Caruso. Elsewhere in Switzerland, Spain dismantled Portugal in the later kick off, flying past their opponents in an emphatic 5-0 victory.
Le Azzure kick off Euro 2025 in winning fashion
The opening fixture of Group B kicked off with Belgium vs Italy in Sion.
Belgium had the first real chance of the evening, as Red Flames captain Tessa Wullaert sent her strike right into the hands of Italian goalkeeper Laura Giuliani.
Despite Belgium’s fast start, Italy began to settle into a rhythm, controlling the tempo of the game to tee up a victory at Stade Tourbillon. The Italians generated 17 shots to Belgium’s 10, seven of which were on target.
Arianna Caruso was the player to break the deadlock as the attacking midfielder, who has just penned a deal with Bayern Munich, curled her strike into the back of the net with composure and class.
Italy will now face Portugal, as Belgium take on a firing Spanish outfit.
Spain stake their claim at Euro 2025
It wouldn’t be modern day women’s football without a Spanish masterclass, and the fixture under the lights at Bern’s Stadion Wankdorf was no different. Home of beloved Swiss side Young Boys, both the Portugal and Spain fans brought the atmosphere to the arena.
Everyone at The Halfway Line are devastated to hear the news of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, and would like to pay their respects to the family and friends during these heartbreaking times. Both sides lined up for a meaningful moment of silence prior to kick off, to honour the men whose lives were tragically lost.
Spain looked emphatic from the outset, making their mark within just one minute of the fixture. It was NJ/NY Gotham FC striker Esther Gonzalez who opened the scoring with a beautiful outside of the foot touch on the volley and around the corner to give La Roja the lead.
It wouldn’t take long for Spain to strike once more, as 18-year-old star Vicky López, who replaced Aitana Bonmatí in the starting lineup, got on the end of a pin-point delivery from Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey to find the back of the net.
Matters were made worse for Portugal before the stroke of half time as Alexia Putellas controlled a visionary ball by Mariona Caldentey and curled her strike into the back of the net. Portugal weren’t given a moment to breathe as Esther had another say in the 43rd minute, bagging a brace and putting Spain up 4-0.
The second half was a lot easier on the eye for the Portugal fans, who did not stop generating an incredible atmosphere throughout the game. That was until Cristina Martín-Prieto headed home a cross with less than a minute left to play.
Portugal, who were incredibly uninspiring on the night, must now travel to face Italy on Monday in Geneva. As for the World Champions, Spain will come head-to-head with Belgium in Thun.
The Halfway OnLine
In each of our roundups during this tournament, The Halfway Line has decided to share our favourite matchday tweets.
The Portugal fans were making bold claims, and I have to say that I agree.
A touching tribute to Diogo Jota.
There is only one Alexia Putellas.
The Arsenal fans sure are leading the Mariona Caldentey Ballon d’Or charge.
You can read all of the latest news, analysis and opinion at Euro 2025 on The Halfway Line.
