Spain Ladies 6 – 2 Belgium Ladies

Spain as soon as once more confirmed their attacking menace at this European Championships by dismantling Belgium 6-2 to all however qualify for the quarter-finals.

Ought to Portugal fail to beat Italy within the later recreation on Monday night time, then the world champions’ last-eight spot will probably be confirmed. Belgium want Portugal to win to remain within the competitors.

After thrashing Portugal 5-0 within the first recreation, Spain briefly discovered this recreation slightly trickier – regardless of taking the lead halfway by the half courtesy of Alexia Putellas, who was arrange by the good Vicky Lopez contained in the field.

Spain did present defensive vulnerabilities for the primary time within the match – beginning with set-pieces. Two minutes after Putellas’ opener, Justine Vanhaevermaet had the easy process of heading in from shut vary by way of a nook, to spark confidence into Belgium.

That confidence lasted till six minutes earlier than half-time when Spain scored from a nook of their very own – captain Irene Paredes slamming house a header excessive into the web after coming again into the group.

But the second half had extra twists in retailer. After half-time substitute Aitana Bonmati flashed a shot extensive, Hannah Eurlings burst by on objective for Belgium and completed effectively. The offside flag went up however the semi-automated offside expertise gave the objective.

That Belgian pleasure lasted simply 90 seconds as Putellas confirmed aptitude to launch Esther Gonzalez into the field, with the striker ending effectively for her third objective of those championships.

Spain lastly opened up a two-goal buffer on the hour mark as WSL Participant of the Season Mariona Caldentey acquired in on the act as she tucked house a nook from shut vary after Paredes and Gonzalez noticed efforts ricocheted into the air.

Spain’s shot depend stored rising and rising – with Putellas denied a second by the woodwork and Caldentey going shut once more. However finally the web rippled once more as Claudia Pina scored a trademark long-range magnificence for 5-2, earlier than Putellas acquired her second from shut vary.

Belgium noticed a Tresa Wuillert comfort objective dominated out for offside however Spain’s dominance was summed up by their 33 efforts on objective. Whereas Belgium gave them a few scares, this Spain group look the true deal.

Evaluation: Spain will take some stopping

Spain’s earlier document for targets at a European Championships beforehand stood at six. This match, they’ve managed 11 after simply two video games to blast by the document books. They’ve even performed it with eight completely different goalscorers.

If there was any doubt, there should not be now: Spain have one of the best assault within the match. Alexia Putellas ran the present towards Belgium – taking up the midfield management from Aitana Bonmati, who was solely match sufficient for the second half.

Esther Gonzalez has three targets already on this match, whereas 18-year-old Vicky Lopez confirmed her shiny potential with an incredible first half show. With Patricia Guijarro so essential in that midfield as effectively, there is not sufficient room to suit all of those attacking skills to play directly.

Regardless of the scoreline taking the type of a thriller, Spain completely battered Belgium with over 30 pictures on objective.

The world champions are making an actual assertion right here – and whereas Barcelona’s Champions League ultimate efficiency reveals it will possibly all come crashing down, it would take some effort to cease this group.