Euro 2025: Day Ten Analysis and Opinion

Group B came to an end in somewhat anti-climatic fashion as Spain came from behind to make it three wins from three, while a last-gap win for Belgium got them off the mark...

World champions Spain joined Norway in making it three wins from three in the group stage with a come from behind victory against Italy, who join them in the quarter-finals despite defeat. Elsewhere, Portugal’s slim chances of progression were ended anyway with a late defeat to Belgium who picked up their first win and jumped their opponents into third.

Athenea del Castillo’s sublime strike got Spain back on level terms against Italy. Image: Paul Terry / Sportimage

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Spain can attack their way out of trouble

Coming into their final match of the group stage against Italy, Spain had taken an almost staggering 55 shots in their first two games against Portugal and Belgium.

By contrast, their 20 against Italy was almost sub-par! This Spain team clearly still has frailties at the back, as pointed out in the last analysis and their two-goal concession against Belgium, but if you’re having 20 shots a game, with the world class talent available to them, the reality is they will find the net at least a few times per game.

That was certainly the case here. Italy were well on top in the opening moments and deservedly took the lead, yet there was always felt little doubt Spain would come back. Their first goal was a thing of beauty, the second a superb individual effort and the third a well-crafted ball from Alexia Putellas finished off by the tournament’s top scorer and ultimate poacher, Esther.

Spain now take on the hosts in the quarter-finals and while Switzerland might have the players to hurt the world champions in transition, Spain could score five for every two any opponent manages right now.