The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 group stage delivered yet another thrilling chapter in the ever-evolving landscape of European women’s football. As Group B concluded with high drama and tense moments, Italy secured their spot in the quarter-finals despite suffering a defeat to Spain, while Portugal were heartbreakingly eliminated after falling to Belgium. The final whistle blew on a night of twists, turns, and fierce determination, leaving fans and analysts alike reflecting on the razor-thin margins that define tournament football.
Italy Secure Passage Despite Defeat to Spain
Italy faced a formidable challenge in their final group-stage clash against Spain, one of the tournament favorites. Knowing that a draw or even a narrow defeat could still see them through, Italy adopted a cautious yet disciplined approach. Head coach Milena Bertolini opted for a defensively solid 4-2-3-1 formation, hoping to stifle Spain’s midfield dominance and strike on the counterattack.
Spain, however, showcased their trademark possession-based game, led by the ever-composed Alexia Putellas and the dynamic Aitana Bonmatí. It didn’t take long for La Roja to impose their authority on the match, dominating possession and territory. Putellas opened the scoring with a composed finish in the 24th minute, capping off a patient build-up that sliced through the Italian backline.
Italy responded with flashes of attacking intent, and in the 41st minute, Valentina Giacinti leveled the score after latching onto a lofted through-ball from Arianna Caruso. The parity was short-lived, though, as Bonmatí restored Spain’s lead just before halftime with a thunderous strike from outside the box.
The second half saw Italy dig deep, determined not to concede further. They managed to hold Spain at bay, and the 2-1 scoreline proved just enough to ensure their progression based on superior goal difference over Portugal.
“This was a battle of character. We knew Spain would be tough, but the objective was to stay alive in the tournament,” said Bertolini post-match. “I’m proud of how the players executed the plan.”
Portugal’s Dream Shattered by Belgium
While Italy were fending off Spain, Portugal knew their fate rested in their own hands against Belgium. A win would give them six points and a solid chance at progression. But things unraveled in unexpected and painful fashion.
Portugal started the match with urgency, pressing high and looking to assert dominance. Led by Diana Silva and Jessica Silva up front, they looked the more aggressive side in the opening minutes. But Belgium weathered the early storm and began to find their rhythm.
In the 33rd minute, Tessa Wullaert found the back of the net with a powerful header from a set-piece, capitalizing on Portugal’s momentary lapse in marking. The goal shook the Portuguese, and while they pressed for an equalizer, frustration grew with each missed opportunity.
The second half mirrored the first—Portugal committed bodies forward, only to be exposed at the back. In the 76th minute, Belgium doubled their lead through Marie Minnaert after a rapid counterattack left Portugal’s defense scrambling.
The match ended 2-0, a result that not only eliminated Portugal but also ended their aspirations of a deep tournament run.
“We had everything to fight for today, and we gave it our all,” said Portugal head coach Francisco Neto. “But in the end, we lacked the cutting edge. Football can be cruel, and tonight it certainly was.”
Belgium’s Redemption
Belgium came into the tournament as underdogs, ranked lowest in Group B and written off by many pundits. But their 2-0 victory over Portugal not only salvaged pride but signaled a step forward in the Red Flames’ development on the European stage.
Coach Ives Serneels praised the tactical discipline of his players:
“We executed our plan perfectly. It’s a shame we’re not going through, but we leave with a win and the belief that we’re building something special.”
Despite finishing level on points with Portugal, Belgium’s inferior goal difference and lack of head-to-head advantage kept them from advancing. Still, they exit the tournament with valuable experience and heads held high.
Key Performers
- Alexia Putellas (Spain): The midfield maestro continues to demonstrate why she’s one of the best in the world. Her calm control, vision, and goal-scoring instinct set the tone for Spain’s dominant performance.
- Valentina Giacinti (Italy): A tireless runner and clinical finisher, Giacinti’s goal kept Italy alive and proved pivotal in the final standings.
- Tessa Wullaert (Belgium): With a goal and leadership on the field, Wullaert was instrumental in Belgium’s upset win over Portugal.
- Jessica Silva (Portugal): Despite Portugal’s exit, Silva’s individual brilliance and dribbling flair lit up the group stage.
Tactical Observations
- Italy’s Pragmatism: Bertolini’s approach prioritized structure and efficiency. While it didn’t make for flashy football, it proved effective enough to get them through.
- Spain’s Control: Spain were the only side in the group to remain unbeaten. Their ability to dictate pace and dominate possession remains unmatched, though defensive lapses occasionally surface.
- Portugal’s Risk-Taking: Portugal often played an attacking brand of football, but it left them vulnerable to counters. Neto’s aggressive tactics might have worked with more clinical finishing.
- Belgium’s Compactness: Serneels opted for a compact 4-4-2, focusing on set-pieces and counterattacks. The approach frustrated opponents and proved successful against Portugal.
The Bigger Picture
Italy’s advancement signals a potential resurgence in a program that had, until recently, struggled to keep pace with Europe’s elite. Bertolini’s team now faces the challenge of raising their performance against stronger opponents in the knockout stages. They will likely need more creativity in midfield and more composure in front of goal if they are to go further.
Spain, on the other hand, look like strong contenders for the title. Their consistency, depth, and star power make them formidable. However, they must avoid complacency and work on their finishing, which at times looked wasteful.
Portugal’s journey, while ending in heartbreak, reflects the increasing competitiveness of women’s football in the country. Their exit will serve as a lesson for future campaigns, particularly in terms of game management and tactical balance.
Belgium’s improvement will surely spark investment and belief back home. The team’s ability to compete with more established sides suggests they could soon become a regular threat on the continental stage.
Fans React
Social media erupted with emotion as the final whistles blew.
Italian fans celebrated with relief, flooding timelines with praise for Giacinti and calls to tighten the defense for the knockout round.
Spanish supporters voiced confidence in their squad’s trajectory, with many hailing the Putellas-Bonmatí partnership as “unplayable.”
Portuguese fans expressed both pride and anguish, praising the team’s passion while lamenting what could have been.
Belgium’s supporters cheered the victory, labeling it a “breakthrough moment,” even as the squad fell short of qualification.
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