There's no slowing down this Spanish squad.
Spain defeated Belgium 6-2 in an early evening matchup at Stockhorn Arena in Thun, Switzerland. La Roja took back control of the pitch after a 50-minute stalemate with Belgium, scoring four consecutive goals from four separate players to effectively knock Belgium out of quarterfinals contention.
Belgium had more definition than Portugal, taking advantage of brief gaps in Spain’s defensive positioning to notch both of their goals from behind. Even more impressive was the Belgian side’s ability to deter the Spanish onslaught of more than 30 shots. Belgium appeared to have found the formula to subdue the World Champions before Gotham FC's Esther González scored for Spain two minutes after the Belgians tied the game.
One goal from González and two from Putellas in the match put them in the early lead for the top scorer in the Euros with three goals each. With this win, Spain books their spot in the quarterfinals, leading Group B with 6 points and 11 goals. Head coach Montse Tomé is no doubt already looking ahead to prep her squad for the knockout rounds following the team's final group match against Italy.
Spain: 33 shots, 9 shots on target, 80% possession, 744 passes, 88% pass accuracy, 8 fouls, 11 corners, 0 offsides
Belgium: 4 shots, 3 shots on target, 20% possession, 185 passes, 61% pass accuracy, 7 fouls, 1 corner, 2 offsides
Goals:
• Spain, Alexia Putellas, 22'
• Belgium, Justine Vanhaevermaet, 24'
• Spain, Irena Paredes, 39'
• Belgium, Hannah Eurlings, 50'
• Spain, Esther González, 52'
• Spain, Mariona Caldentey, 61'
• Spain, Clàudia Pina, 81'
• Spain, Alexia Putellas, 86'
Spain's late dominance
The stats speak for themselves.
The Belgian side had no answers to a complete Spanish team. With Spain holding possession for 80% of the match, there was very little room for error with the 20% Belgium managed to control. Scoring twice out of the three on target is quite a feat, but it doesn't compare to the six Spain scored of their nine.
But the Red Flames came to compete. The final scoreline offers a more dominant performance than what the first 50 minutes would suggest.
A stroke of brilliance from Belgian forward Tessa Wullaert brought Belgium level with Spain at the 50th minute. Wullaert slid a clean ball between two Spanish defenders to find Hannah Eurlings, who sent the ball into the back of the net.
Courtesy FOXsoccer
For two minutes, Belgium sat in upset territory until González outran Belgium’s back line to score a goal and put Spain in the lead at 3-2. It was cruise control for Spain in the 38 minutes that followed, with Mariona Caldentey, Clàudia Pina, and Alexia Putellas each scoring one after the other.
"It's heartbreaking," said Belgium head coach Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir. "But at the same time, I'm very proud of my team because I know the belief was there and they gave everything. We took some chances and played with good courage during the first half and big parts of the second half. We came back from Spain leading twice, which is not easy against this team. For the future, those are good signs."
Oliver Strand
González and Putellas race for top scorer
Was there ever a question that Spain would take the early lead in the Euros goal-scoring race? Not with the way this squad is playing.
Putellas earned her second Player of the Match award after her brilliant performance on the pitch. The midfielder just can't stop scoring, with two goals and two assists against Belgium. She is the first player in history to accomplish that feat in a single game at the Women's Euros.
Not only does she tie with González for the most goals scored, but she also leads the Euros with the most goal involvements. She may very well be on her way to lead in most assists if she keeps this up.
"I’m feeling really good," Putellas said. "Not because of the goals or assists, but because of how I feel out there, the sharpness. I said it before the tournament started: I’ve been feeling great. In some games things come off, in others they don’t, but the work is always there, and that’s what matters, putting it to the service of the team."
Courtesy FOXsoccer
González scored the game decider in last night's match for her 36th international goal, and combined with her two goals in Spain's win over Portugal, she leads the way with Putellas at three goals. She comes second to Putellas with assists at three, tying with Pina, Caldentey, and Norway's Caroline Graham Hansen.
Michael Battista
Aitana Bonmatí returns
Aitana Bonmatí returned to the pitch on Monday evening after overcoming viral meningitis in the hospital. The Spanish star did not come on in Spain's triumphant win over Portugal until the 81st minute, nor did she start last night. She subbed in for Vicky López at the start of the second half, easing her way back onto the field.
But she looked good in her first substantial return to play. Bonmatí attempted two shots, both of which were blocked, and earned a free kick upon her return. She's the two-time winner of the Ballon d'Or Féminin for a reason, and it showed on Monday. Consistently moving the ball between defenders while managing passes behind Belgium's backline, Bonmatí's return brought more energy to an already electric Spanish squad.
There's no doubt this Spanish team is flooded with talent, a fact that Tomé is most certainly taking advantage of in this tournament.
