EURO 2025 Recap: Spain and Italy advance

Tom Maher
3–4 minutes

Here it is our day nine recap of UEFA Women’s EURO 2025. Another day of breathless action came to an end as did the involvement in the tournament of Portugal and Belgium. Spain defeated Italy 3-1 but Le Azzure still made it through as a result of Belgium’s 2-1 victory over Portugal.

The Halfway Line takes you through everything you need to know about match day nine at EURO 2025.

Spain stay perfect as Italy sneak through

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Spain maintained their 100% record at EURO 2025 with a 3-1 victory over their closest group challengers Italy. Montse Tomé shuffled the pack a touch for this one with players like Esther González, Ona Batlle, Clàudia Pina and Vicky López all dropped to the bench. The big news ahead of kick off was that Aitana Bonmatí was fit to start.

Italy knew they were not out of the woods yet, a late equaliser from Portugal in their last match had ensured they still had work to do against Spain. Within 10 minutes, Italy got to work as Elisebetta Oliviero found the back of the net after a mix up from Mariona Caldentey. Only four minutes passed before Spain were back on level terms. Alexia Putellas’ backheel set up Athenea Del Castillo who finished in sublime fashion. Patri Guijarro scored an equally impressive second before Esther came off the bench to finish the job. Thanks to Belgium’s victory over Portugal defeat was enough for Italy to qualify.

Spain now face hosts Switzerland in the quarter final while Italy will play Norway.

Belgium spoil Portuguese party

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The biggest shock in this match was that it only finished 2-1, both sides missed a combined total of 11 big chances. For comparison in Spain’s 6-2 victory over Belgium only four big chances were missed. Belgium also scored two goals which were disallowed by VAR, both on questionable grounds. Should anything have been riding on this match for the Red Flames there could have been a real issue.

Tessa Wullaert was on the score sheet for Belgium within just three minutes. From there if it wasn’t already an uphill task for Portugal it would have felt like Everest grew a few inches. Portugal struggled to summon any kind of momentum in the match and when they finally did, they failed to take their chances. Fans were given an inkling into what life might have been at this tournament for Portugal with a fully fit Kika Nazareth, who stole the show at times. It was her assist that set up Telma Encarnação’s equaliser.

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However when Portugal needed to flood forward in attack their shape in defence completely deserted them. Belgium licked their lips and looked like the only side scoring the multiple goals Portugal needed in the end. The score line flattered Portugal and realistically Belgium could and even should have had three or four. The winner that they did manage was scored by Janice Cayman, potentially playing at her last major tournament. It was a lovely moment for a player capped by her nation more so than anyone else.

Both Portugal and Belgium are now eliminated from EURO 2025 but not before playing their part in an entertaining group.

The Halfway OnLine

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Alexia wants her Ballon d’Or back.

Thoughts and prayers with Switzerland right now.

She can’t help but assist.

You can read all of the latest news, analysis and opinion at Euro 2025 on The Halfway Line.

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