Spain eventually overran Belgium and went through to the UEFA Women’s EURO quarter-finals, after Portugal drew with Italy.
Group B
Spain 6-2 Belgium
Portugal 1-1 Italy
Belgium twice levelled against Spain but eventually found themselves on the wrong end of a 6-2 scoreline.
Alexia Putellas rifled Spain in front after being set up by a lay-off from Vicky Lopez but Belgium were swiftly back on level terms, Tessa Wullaert’s corner whipped in and headed home by Justine Vanhaevermaet.
Spain regained the advantage before half-time, Irene Paredes with a firm header from a Claudia Pina corner.
Hannah Eurlings got the Red Flames second after it survived a VAR check for offside but they were behind again within a couple of minutes, Putellas playing in Esther Gonzalez to score.
Mariona Caldentey tucked in a fourth for Spain, when Belgium struggled to clear a corner.
Pina struck from 20 yards and Putellas doubled her tally, with Wullaert then having an effort ruled out in reply.
Portugal levelled late on before a stoppage-time red card but still held Italy 1-1, as both nations still have hopes of progressing.
Cristiana Girelli effort from outside the box was tipped over by Portugal goalkeeper Patricia Morais.
Italy went close more times in the first half, Cecilia Salvai heading onto the crossbar, Emma Severini having a finish ruled out for offside and Morais again denying Girelli.
Portugal had been having their best spell when Italy counter-attacked and Girelli found the top corner from 20 yards, with no chance this time for the keeper.
Diana Silva headed against the post and tucked away the rebound but the equaliser was chalked off for offside following a VAR check.
Moments after Portugal hit the bar, Dolores Silva cut the ball back for Diana Gomes to clip it over the keeper for the equaliser.
A dramatic finale then saw Morais make a great save as Valentina Bergamaschi’s header nearly reclaimed the lead immediately.
Portugal’s Ana Borges was sent off in added time but Italy had to settle for the draw.
Group C fixtures for Tuesday 8 July:
5pm BST – Germany v Denmark (live on BBC2, iPlayer, BBC Sport Website)
8pm BST – Poland v Sweden (live on BBC1, iPlayer, BBC Sport Website)
