By Eloise Smallbone (03/07/2025)
Above: Italy celebrate their win. Photo: Azzuri_En on X.
Belgium 0 – 1 Italy
Team news and context:
As the second day of the tournament started, the stage was set for Belgium and Italy. The two sides both won their last game before Euro 2025, with Belgium beating Greece 2-0 in a friendly, and Italy winning 4-1 against Wales in the Nations League. Italy had the more impressive route to Euro qualification, topping the group above favourites Netherlands and perennial Euros challengers Norway.
However, the Red Flames have major international tournament experience on their side, with Janice Cayman, Tessa Wullaert and Laura Deloose starting in this game – all of whom have played at previous major tournaments. This match also marked Elisabet Gunnarsdottir’s first game in charge of Belgium at a major international tournament, and in her short reign, Belgium have already beaten England and pushed Spain close.
Scorer: Caruso 44’
Highlights:
Overall, Belgium arguably had the better of the first half, with five attempts, and two very good chances just before Italy took the lead. However, Arianna Caruso’s goal was a special moment of the game, which followed some impressive build-up play from Manuela Giugliano, which led to Caruso’s strike. In the second half, Belgium couldn’t build up the momentum that they seemed to have in the first half, and Italy were able to slow them down enough to secure the 1-0 victory.
Player of the match: Arianna Caruso
For her impressive match-winning strike.
What next for the teams:
This is a monumental win for Italy as they are now in a strong position in the group, with games against Portugal and Spain to come. However, it leaves Belgium with a hill to climb as they face Spain – the reigning World Champions – on Monday.
Spain 5 – 0 Portugal
Team news and context:
Montse Tomé selected a strong team for Spain’s opener, with Ester González starting. Aitana Bonmatí started the game on the bench, after only being discharged from hospital four days ago, and Vicky López was brought in to replace her. Spain were also missing first choice goalkeeper Cata Coll, with deputy Adriana Nanclares given the nod.
Portugal were still without Barcelona superstar Kika Nazareth, who is in the middle of returning from injury.
The players wore black armbands as they honoured Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, and tributes filled the stands of Portuguese fans.
Scorers: González 2′, 43′, López 7′, Putellas 41′, Martin-Prieto 90+3′
Highlights:
The first half was a display of how effective Spain’s attacking players are and how dominant they are on the pitch, even without Ballon d’Or winner Bonmatí in their starting 11. Mariona Caldentey stood out for how she created chances in the build-up to two of Spain’s four goals in the first half and ended the game with two assists.
Despite going into half-time 4-0 down, Portugal managed the threat that Spain carried much better in the second half, and they showed a strong mentality. González was a strong threat to the Portuguese defence for the time she was on the pitch.
Player of the match: Esther González
Two goals, the first of which came before two minutes were on the clock. Impressive on the press and relentless in possession, a thorn in Portugal’s side across the game.
What next for the teams:
This result puts Spain firmly in the Group B drivers’ seat, ahead of Italy on goal difference. It leaves Portugal with a hill to climb, however they have faced their strongest test in the group already.
Moment/player of the day
Spain provided an impressive display of goals to choose from as a favourite of the day, however Putellas’ goal in the 41st minute was sublime and exemplified why she is considered one of the best in the world.
Bonmatí entering the pitch in the 81st minute was also a hugely significant moment of the second matchday, after recovering from meningitis. There had been a lot of speculation over whether she would play in Spain’s opener, or even in the group stage.
Group standings
- Spain 3 pts +5 GD
2. Italy 3 pts +1 GD
3. Belgium 0 pts -1 GD
4. Portugal 0 pts -5 GD
Find the rest of our Euros catch-ups here:
Group A Gameday 1: https://impetusfootball.org/2025/07/02/weuro-2025-group-a-gameday-1-review/
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