Spain fight back in Women’s Nations League opener

AFP, Paris :

Spain kicked off their Women’s Nations League title defence by fighting back to snatch a thrilling 3-2 win over Belgium on Friday while European champions England were held to a 1-1 draw in Portugal.

In Valencia, Mariam Toloba gave Belgium a surprise early lead against the 2023 World Cup winners Spain and Tessa Wullaert struck a second in the 72nd minute.

Spain, who will be among the favourites at Euro 2025 this summer, where they will face Belgium again, pulled a goal back through Claudia Pina to spark their comeback.

Lucia Garcia levelled in stoppage time and Benfica’s Cristina Martin Prieto blasted home with virtually the final touch of the game to complete the job.

Spain were without injured two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, as well as World Cup star Jenni Hermoso, whom coach Montse Tome did not call up.

The 34-year-old won her sexual assault case against disgraced former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales this week.

Belgium coach Elisabet Gunnarsdottir was taking charge of her first match at the helm, in which she could not have asked for a tougher challenge.

In Euro 2025 qualifying last year Spain thumped Belgium 9-0 across the two games.
In the same section, England and Portugal finished level at 1-1 in Portimao.
Alessio Russo gave England a 15th-minute lead with a close-range tap-in from a cross by Lucy Bronze.