Spain 6 – 2 Belgium

The World Cup holders Spain demonstrated exactly why they are favourites for the Women’s Euros with a resounding victory over Belgium.

Despite being pegged back to 1-1 and 2-2, Spain inflicted a remarkable 33 shots (9 on target) compared to Belgium’s 4 (3 on target). Alexia Putellas was awarded her second consecutive Player of the Match award, weighing in with a brace of goals and a brace of assists. She is certainly going the right way about trying to reclaim the Ballon d’Or with this kind of statement performance.

While conceding two goals will have been a slight concern for Spain, their prowess at the other end of the pitch will have caught the attention of France and Germany. With two wins from two, they go into the final group game against Italy knowing they have already secured qualification.

Alexia Putellas Hits Top Form

Alexia Putellas may have grabbed the headlines but the scoring ability in this Spain team is frightening. Stalwart defender Irene Paredes got on the scoresheet with a trademark header from a corner. Esther Gonzalez added the third, while Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey and Barcelona’s Claudia Pina also added to Belgium’s misery.

If Spain continue with this momentum, it is difficult to see past them lifting their first European Championship trophy. However, they will have to do it without legend Jenni Hermoso, their all-time top goalscorer.

Coach Montse Tome decided against calling up the 57-goal record holder, in somewhat controversial circumstances. Many Spain fans have questioned the reasoning behind the decision, with claims that it is linked to Hermoso’s trial against former RFEF boss Luis Rubiales. A long-standing success in Spain’s football journey, the absence of Hermoso has been a major talking point.

Women’s Euros Result

Spain 6 – 2 Belgium