Belgium Defeat Portugal in Thriller, But Both Exit EURO 2025
Belgium beat Portugal in a dramatic match at EURO 2025, but both teams were eliminated after failing to advance further.
Portugal were eliminated from the UEFA Womens European Championship after losing 2-1 to Belgium, marking their eighth straight match without a win. Coach Francisco Netos team needed a miracle to reach the quarter-finals, but their hopes took a big hit when Belgium scored just three minutes into the game.
Belgian captain Tessa Wullaert gave her team an early lead with a beautiful first-time shot from a Jill Janssens cross, putting Portugal under immediate pressure.
Belgium almost doubled their lead soon after when Justine Vanhaevermaet narrowly missed connecting with another smart pass from Wullaert, which easily cut through Portugals defense.
Portugal had chances to equalize. Diana Gomes missed a good opportunity after a surprise free-kick from Francisca Nazareth, and Diana Silva came close with a sharp shot near the post that Belgian goalkeeper Lisa Lichtfus saved.
The match took a serious turn when Jassina Blom of Belgium was injured after a tough tackle by Gomes and had to be taken off on a stretcher. Portugal looked better towards the end of the first half, but Ana Capetas poor attempt at a lob summed up their frustration on the pitch.
Both teams struggled with their defending after the break, creating a chaotic start to the second half. Mariam Toloba missed a clear chance from inside the box, while on the other side, goalkeeper Lichtfus stopped Capetas shot.
The match remained wide open, with plenty of space and attacking chances. Toloba had another opportunity but shot over the bar from close range. She later scored what looked like a clean goal, but VAR ruled it out because Marie Detruyer had fouled Andreia Jacinto earlier in the move.
Tolobas frustrating night continued when her powerful header from Wullaerts cross hit the crossbar. Belgium missed several more chances to increase their lead.
Portugal eventually found an equaliser when Telma Encarnacao scored with a strong left-footed shot, finishing off a great through ball from Nazareth.
Later, Gunnarsdottirs team thought they had taken the lead with a strange goal. The ball bounced off Amber Tysiak and ended up in the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Finally, in a thrilling ending,Janice Cayman smashed in a loose ball from inside the penalty area, giving Belgium a late winning goal and ending the match on a dramatic note, even though both teams failed to progress in the tournament.
