Spain, the THUNWorld Cup champion, defeated Belgium 6-2 on Monday to advance to the Women’s European Championship quarterfinals.
Surprisingly, it was the first time Spain had won consecutive games in the Euros after winning the first one.
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With 11 goals in two games, Spain and its all-star team are living up to the hype. Alexia Putellas, the tournament favorite and two-time Ballon d’Or winner, sent a clear message to the other teams.
The team’s performance is outstanding. However, Putellas stated in translated comments that practically everyone can do better.
For the second consecutive game, she was named player of the match after scoring two goals against Belgium.
I’m acting quickly and I’m in excellent mental health,” Putellas stated. For me, seeing things ahead of time is what makes me feel wonderful. Thus, I am able to assist others.
If Italy avoids losing to Portugal later, which would also mean Belgium is eliminated, Spain will guarantee a spot in the quarterfinals.
Belgium, however, can see the bright side. The Red Flames faced one of the top women’s soccer teams and played a close game until a barrage of goals made them more worried about goal differential, which could be the difference that made the difference.
El Sabet Gunnarsd Tir, the coach of Belgium, stated, “I’m really proud of my team because I know 100% that they had the belief that I was looking for.”
However, I must admit that I felt like crying when I entered the locker room (after the game). Since I genuinely believed in what we were doing and enjoyed watching my guys give it their all, emotionally it was challenging. We probably played a really excellent game with them for at least an hour.
Spain attacked the Belgium goal right away. Vicky L. Pez cushioned a beautiful ball from Mariona Caldentey’s play from the area’s perimeter for Putellas to sweep into the far corner.
But just two minutes had passed since Spain’s lead in the 22nd minute when Justine Vanhaevermaet headed in Tessa Wullaert’s corner at the near post.
Irene Paredes, the captain of Spain, headed in a corner to make it 2-1 before halftime in her maiden tournament action after being suspended for the first game.
At halftime, Aitana Bonmat, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, was introduced. She only played eight minutes against Portugal before to the competition.
Shortly after the restart, Hannah Eurlings gave Belgium another goal. The VAR awarded it after it was first disallowed for offside.
Less than a minute later, Putellas set up veteran striker Esther Gonz lez to score her third goal of the tournament, giving Spain a third lead.
The ball was not cleared after a Gonz lez attempt was blocked, and Mariona Caldentey scored Spain’s fourth goal.
Putellas still had time to score her second goal of the evening after Claudia Pina curled a magnificent 20-yard attempt into the top right corner.
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