Italy advances despite defeat: Spain's second dress also fits perfectly at the European Championship

Italy advances despite defeat Spain's second dress also fits perfectly at the European Championship 11.07.2025, 23:09

No goal fest this time. Against Italy, the Spanish women, with six changes to their squad, scored "only" two goals, enough for their third win in their third European Championship match. Italy doesn't care. Because Portugal disappointed against Belgium, the Italians advance to the quarterfinals without a worry.

With another dominant performance, Spain's women's soccer team advanced to the European Championship quarterfinals as group winners. The world champions deservedly beat Italy 3-1 (1-1) in Bern. In the round of eight, Spain will face hosts Switzerland again next Friday at the Wankdorf Stadium. Italy, which finished second in Group B, will face Norway in Geneva on Wednesday.

Athenea del Castillo (14th minute), Patri Guijarro (49th minute), and Esther González (90th+1) scored the goals in front of 29,644 spectators for the European Championship favorites, who featured Aitana Bonmatí in their starting lineup for the first time in the tournament. The two-time World Player of the Year had been diagnosed with meningitis a few days before the European Championship. Elisabetta Oliviero (10th minute) had given Italy the initial lead.

Spain controlled the match with their usual high level of possession, but initially created few chances against a disciplined Italian defense. The Squadra Azzurra did better. First, captain Elena Linari headed the ball onto the crossbar, and seconds later, the ball was in the net. Spain's Mariona Caldentey unwittingly provided Oliviero with the perfect pass in the penalty area, and the finish was a mere formality.

Portugal disappointed

The joy of the lead was short-lived. Del Castillo played a one-two with Alexia Putellas and, with a perfectly backheeled shot from 16 meters, curled the ball into the top corner. Coach Montserrat Tomé, who had made six changes to her team's position compared to the 6-2 win against Belgium, clenched her fist for the first time.

Spain again resorted to their feared short passing game, which coach Andrea Soncin's team countered with passion and enthusiasm. However, the favorites turned the game around, with Guijarro scoring with a direct shot shortly after the break.

The Italians, led by Bayern Munich's Arianna Caruso, kept the game open for a long time. Sofia Cantore had the best chance to equalize at 2-2, but her slightly deflected shot was well saved by goalkeeper Adriana Nanclares. For Spain, the superbly talented substitute Vicky López enlivened the attack. González sealed the victory in stoppage time.

The European Championship is over for Portugal and Belgium. In their head-to-head clash in Sion, Belgium at least secured their first, and late, group stage victory. Janice Cayman scored the winning goal in the 2-1 (1-0) victory (90th + 6th minute). Belgium's record goalscorer Tessa Wullaert (3rd minute) and Telma Encarnação (87th minute) had earlier scored. Portugal could have overtaken Italy with a larger victory, but they were disappointing across the board.