The final Group B clash of Euro 2025 sees Portugal Women facing Belgium Women in a high-stakes encounter. For Portugal, this is a must-win match to keep their slim qualification hopes alive, while already-eliminated Belgium will be playing for pride. With Portugal needing not just a victory but also a favorable result from the Spain vs. Italy game, the drama is set to unfold in Sion, Switzerland.
Portugal’s Uphill Battle for Qualification
Current Situation:
Portugal sits third in Group B with just 1 point, earned from a dramatic 1-1 draw against Italy, thanks to Diana Gomes’ late equalizer. However, their 5-0 thrashing by Spain leaves them with a goal difference of -5, making progression a monumental task.
Qualification Scenario:
- Portugal must beat Belgium—anything less means elimination.
- Italy must lose to Spain—a draw would end Portugal’s hopes regardless of their result.
- Portugal must overturn a six-goal deficit against Italy (Italy: +1 GD, Portugal: -5).
In short, Portugal needs a win, a Spanish victory, and a goal avalanche to stand any chance.
Recent Form & Key Players:
- Diana Gomes (scorer vs. Italy) and Diana Silva (Portugal’s all-time top scorer) will be crucial.
- Kika Nazareth, the young midfield dynamo, could be key in unlocking Belgium’s defense.
- Portugal’s Euro history is bleak—they’ve never progressed past the group stage (2017, 2022).
Team News:
- Ana Borges is suspended (two yellows), likely replaced by Catarina Amado.
- Coach Francisco Neto faces a tactical challenge—attack for goals or risk exposure at the back?
Belgium’s Pride at Stake
Elimination Confirmed:
Belgium’s Red Flames are already out, having lost 1-0 to Italy and 6-2 to Spain. Their fate was sealed when Italy drew with Portugal.
Motivation & Recent Struggles:
- Playing for pride and to avoid a third straight defeat.
- Conceded 16 goals in their last six games, showing defensive frailties.
- Justine Vanhaevermaet & Hannah Eurlings (injured for this match) scored against Spain.
Key Threat:
- Captain Tessa Wullaert (Inter Milan) is their star—she scored twice in Belgium’s 3-0 Nations League win over Portugal last month.
Coaching & Changes:
- Under new coach Elisabet Gunnarsdóttir, Belgium is in a transitional phase after Yves Serneels’ departure.
Head-to-Head & Match Dynamics
- Belgium leads 5-3 in past meetings, scoring in 7 of their 8 clashes.
- Last month: Belgium won 3-0 (Nations League).
- 2022 WCQ: Portugal won 2-1.
Expected Game Flow:
Portugal must attack, which could leave gaps for Belgium’s counter—especially with Wullaert’s threat. If Spain leads Italy early, Portugal may push even harder for goals.
Match Details
- Date & Time: Friday, July 11, 2025, 9:00 PM (Swiss time) / 8:00 PM (BST/Lisbon).
- Venue: Stade De Tourbillon, Sion, Switzerland.
- Referee: Tess Olofsson (Sweden).
- Broadcast: BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport, FOX Sports.
Prediction
Portugal will win 2-1, but their fate depends on Spain beating Italy. If Italy holds Spain, Portugal’s efforts will be in vain. Expect drama till the final whistle!
Final Thought:
For Portugal, it’s not just about winning—it’s about hoping for a Spanish miracle. Belgium, meanwhile, will look to end their campaign on a high. A night of tension awaits!
Sources: [1-39] (All details derived from provided references.)
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