MADRID, 18 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Belgian team has certified this Monday its presence in the quarterfinals of the Women’s Euro Cup, as second in group D, by beating Italy by the minimum (0-1), while France, already classified as first before playing the third and last match of the group stage, tied against Iceland (0-1), with a lineup with the least usual, without their full triumphs.
The Belgians, who will face Sweden in the next round, needed to win to dream of reaching the quarterfinals and hope for help from France. During the first half, blows were exchanged between Belgium and Italy, with neither team dominating, aware that everything was at stake. Giugliano had a couple of better chances, but Belgian goalkeeper Evrard was always very attentive.
The final goal came just after the second half was released, in the 49th minute, when De Caigny, the best of the Belgian team in the first 45 minutes, hit a left-footed shot after several rebounds in the area after a cross. Italy was able to respond quickly, but the crossbar prevented Gireli’s free kick from leveling the match. The Italians turned upside down, with up to three very clear options, but Belgium defended themselves against the attacks, being able to sentence a counterattack in the 91st minute with a shot from Wullaert on the post, the final result being 0-1.
The Belgians, who will be for the first time in their history in the quarterfinals of a European Championship, benefited from France’s draw (1-1) against Iceland. But a French team with the less common was enough to end the Icelandic options. An early goal from Malard put the duel on track for the ‘bleus’.
The ‘Vikings’ cheered up with a header to the crossbar by Jonsdotir, but France dominated the game and it seemed that the second of the team coached by Corinne Diacre was closer to second. The French continued reaping opportunities, and were able to increase their lead on two occasions, annulled for offside and hand, respectively. Iceland did not throw in the towel and his goal, although without reward, came from a penalty kick, which Brynjarsdóttir converted for the top corner to make the final 1-1.