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Spain and Italy started the UEFA Women’s European Championship with wins. Spain beat Portugal 5-0, and Italy won 1-0 against Belgium. Tributes honored Diogo Jota and his brother.
Italy Women’s Squad celebrating their win over Belgium. (AP)
Spain and Italy kicked off their UEFA Women’s European Championship campaigns with impressive victories on Thursday.
The day featured heartfelt tributes to the late Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, who tragically died in a car accident the night before. Amidst the emotional atmosphere, football took center stage with remarkable performances and touching displays of solidarity.
World champions Spain showcased their dominance in Euro 2025, decisively defeating Portugal 5-0 in their Group B opener at Wankdorf Stadium. The match commenced with a minute of silence for Jota, observed with profound respect by nearly 30,000 spectators in Bern.
Esther Gonzalez, at 32 the eldest player in the Spanish squad, made an immediate impact by scoring within 87 seconds, cleverly flicking the ball past Portugal goalkeeper Ines Pereira. Shortly after, the youngest squad member, 18-year-old Vicky Lopez, increased Spain’s lead by tapping in after Pereira’s clearance landed at Mariona Caldentey’s feet.
Spain’s captain Alexia Putellas, back in the Euros after an injury in 2022, was in formidable form. After an earlier near miss, she scored Spain’s third goal with exceptional control and a precise finish. Gonzalez then netted her second just before halftime, capitalising on the rebound from Clàudia Pina’s cross that struck the post.
Spain’s first-half performance was a masterclass in control and movement, with their passing and pressing leaving Portugal struggling. Although the pace slowed after the interval, substitute Cristina Martin-Prieto completed the rout with a well-placed header in stoppage time.
Italy’s Nail-biting Encounter:
In Sion, Italy secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Belgium, avenging their Euro 2022 group-stage defeat. The match at Stade de Tourbillon also began with a minute’s silence for Jota and his brother, impeccably observed by players and fans.
During a closely contested first half, Belgium’s captain Tessa Wullaert posed the biggest threat, coming close twice late in the half. However, Italy found the breakthrough moments later. Lucia Di Guglielmo spotted Arianna Caruso unmarked on the edge of the area, and the Bayern Munich midfielder advanced into the box, curling a stunning shot into the top corner just before halftime.
That goal proved decisive in a game with few clear-cut chances. The win gives Italy a crucial early advantage in a group where Spain are favourites to lead, leaving Belgium, Italy, and Portugal likely to compete for second place and a quarterfinal spot.
Spain will face Belgium next, while Italy will take on Portugal on Monday in matches that could determine the fate of Group B.
With IANS Inputs
- Location :
Bern, Switzerland
- First Published:
