Spain reached the quarterfinals of Women’s Euro 2025 on Monday after the world champions hammered Belgium 6-2 while Italy was held to a 1-1 draw with Portugal at the death.
A brace from the magnificent Alexia Putellas and further goals from Irene Paredes, Esther Gonzalez, Mariona Caldentey and Claudia Pina gave Group B leaders Spain a second thumping win.
Montse Tome’s team will win the group if they avoid defeat to Italy, who are two points behind La Roja in second after being denied qualification late on by third-placed Portugal, on Friday.
Few would bet on Spain failing to secure first place after two blistering performances in which they have netted 11 times.
“We knew they would try to sit back and hold us off at the beginning, we could have been better, sure, but you need to adapt during the game. We managed to do that and create good opportunities,” Tome told reporters. “We have to improve but we did what we planned to do.”
Belgium, who twice levelled through Justine Vanhaevermaet and Hannah Eurlings, are close to going home after eventually being blown away by relentless waves of attacking football.
They acquitted themselves well until Caldentey forced home Spain’s fourth in the 61st minute, defending with grit and causing problems with some punchy breakaway football.
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