Spain v Belgium Match Report

On group B’s second match day, Spain took on Belgium at Arena Thun resulting in a 6-2 victory for the World Cup title holders. The Spanish side went into the game with a win behind them having beaten Portugal 5-0, whilst Belgium suffered a narrow 0-1 loss to Italy on match day one. 

This is not the first time that these sides have clashed in 2025; in both of their Nations League meetings Spain came out on top. This meant that Spain were the favourites to win this match, but Belgium certainly presented them with challenges. 

Spain dominated possession throughout the 90 minutes, however Belgium put up a fight defensively and were a threat in attack at times, preventing Spain from maintaining a clean sheet. Despite their efforts, this loss means that their Euros journey will end at the group stages, whilst Spain are now guaranteed to advance to the quarter finals. 

Starting XIs:

Spain: 

Nanclares (GK), Batlle, Paredes (C), Aleixandri, Carmona, López, Guijarro, Putellas, Caldentey, González, Pina 

Belgium: 

Lichtfus (GK), Janssens, Tysiak, Kees, Cayman, Deloose, Toloba, Vanhaevermaet, Teulings, Wullaert (C), Eurlings.  

First Half

It wasn’t long until Spain took control of the game and made their first attempt on goal, however López’ shot fell wide. Belgium’s Eurlings looked dangerous to Spain’s defence in the 7th minute, however her attack was intercepted by captain Paredes. In the first 20 minutes, Spain dominated the game and made a number of attempts on goal, however Belgium put out an impressive performance. During this period, Carmona made two shots from distance but failed to find the back of the net, proving just how tight Belgium’s defence was within the box. In the 17th minute, Vanhaevemaet required brief medical attention, but play resumed shortly after. The first goal of the game arrived when an assist from López allowed Putellas to strike from the centre of the box in the 22nd minute making it 1-0 to the current world champions. The young talent’s linkup with the two-time Ballon d’Or winner was a prime example of the unique quality that Spain bring to the game. 

An undeterred Belgian side were quick to retaliate; an equalising goal came just two minutes later. A corner taken by Wullaert assisted an excellent header by Vanhaevermaet from close range and the scoreline became 1-1. Despite the quick succession of goals, Spain remained collected and continued to dominate gameplay. The first yellow card of the game was given to Belgium’s Teulings as a result of a foul on Spain’s Pina. In the 39th minute Spain got themselves ahead once more. Pina’s corner kick found captain Paredes’ head, making it the second goal of the half to occur as a result of a corner. Belgium were soon given a second booking due to Tysiak’s late tackle on goalscorer Putellas. One minute of additional time was announced, in which both teams provided threats. Spain’s López attempted to make it 3-1, however a strong clearance from Janssens prevented this outcome. Belgium gained possession and advanced threateningly towards goal, but the half time whistle was blown and their chance to equalise in the first half vanished. At half time, the score remained Spain 2-1 Belgium. 

Second Half

Before the second half began, Spain’s second two time Ballon d’Or winner Bonmatí was subbed on in place of 18 year-old López. She attempted to score less than two minutes into the half, however the shot was easily saved by Lichtfus. Belgium celebrated in the 50th minute when they won possession and made their way towards the goal, Eurlings striking the ball past Nanclares. Their delight was briefly paused as the offside flag was raised, but a VAR check allowed the goal. Belgium were neck and neck with Spain again and continued to celebrate, cheers coming from the fans in the stands and the players on the bench. Unfortunately for Belgium, it wasn’t long before Spain took the lead. González struck the ball past their keeper and made it 3-2 in the 52nd minute. Belgium continued to put up a fight, Wulleart crossed the ball but was offside, and the ball fell wide of the goal. Play appeared balanced in the following minutes, with shots from both sides. A corner was taken by Pina and Lichtfus tipped the ball over the crossbar. Spain’s next corner brought them greater success; Caldentey shot from the centre of the box and Spain increased their lead in the 61st minute. 

Three minutes later Belgium’s second goalscorer Eurlings made way for Dhont. Spain’s attempts came thick and fast and they appeared to be the stronger side during the final 30 minutes. In spite of this, Belgium won the ball on numerous occasions and kept Spain alert. Spain’s head coach Montse Tomé made two substitutions, goalscorers González and Caldentey making way for Martín-Prieto and del Castillo. In the 76th minute, Nanclares made an impressive save as Belgium smashed the ball towards the bottom corner of the goal. Belgian players Teulings and Toloba made way for Blom and Missipo. Shortly after this, the penultimate goal of the game arrived. Pina’s strike from outside the box effortlessly flew over the Belgian defence, landing in the top corner and cementing Spain’s victory. This marked her final touch of the game as Paralluelo replaced her on the pitch. Batlle was shown Spain’s first and only yellow card in the 79th minute. The final substitution of the game fell five minutes before full time when Carmona came off for Ouahabi. Seconds later, Putellas made it a brace when she struck the ball into the corner on the goal. With six minutes to go, it became clear that Belgium would be unable to catch up with Spain’s four goal lead. They persisted regardless, and Wullaert temporarily made it 6-3 before the goal was disallowed by VAR. Four minutes of additional time where played, in which there was no change to the scoresheet, despite Putellas’ attempt to score a hat trick. The final whistle blew and Spain celebrated their 6-2 victory. 

Full Time: Spain 6-2 Belgium

Spain were incontestably the stronger team, with almost 80% of possession and an impressive six goals. The likes of Putellas and Bonmatí bring unmatched class and experience to the team, whilst young talents such as López and Paralluelo provide valuable energy and determination, making Spain a formidable opponent. Despite Spain’s strength, Belgium proved that they are a force to be reckoned with. Their defensive skill impeded Spain’s lead, particularly in the first half, and they provided threatening moments in attack throughout the 90 minutes. Belgium’s strength and persistence made it a competitive clash. 

This result means that Spain have cemented their quarter-final spot, whilst Belgium will make an early exit. Group B’s final fixtures will take place on Friday 11th, when Belgium will face Portugal and attempt to secure a win in their final game of the tournament. Spain will take on Italy who currently sit second in the group table in what may be their most challenging game so far.