Defending Champions Spain Make Stunning Comeback, England Held in Women’s Nations League Opener

PARIS, Feb 22, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Spain began their Women’s Nations League title defence with a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Belgium on Friday, while England were held to a 1-1 draw in their match against Portugal.

In Valencia, Belgium shocked the 2023 World Cup winners when Mariam Toloba gave them an early lead, followed by Tessa Wullaert doubling the advantage in the 72nd minute. However, Spain rallied to pull a goal back through Claudia Pina, igniting their comeback.

In a dramatic turn, Lucia Garcia scored an equalizer in stoppage time, and with nearly the last kick of the match, Cristina Martin Prieto from Benfica sealed the win for Spain.

Spain, one of the favourites for Euro 2025, were missing key players, including two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, who is sidelined with an injury, and Jenni Hermoso, who was not called up by coach Montse Tome. Hermoso had recently won her sexual assault case against the disgraced former head of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales.

Belgium’s new coach, Elisabet Gunnarsdottir, faced a tough test in her first match in charge, as Spain had thrashed Belgium 9-0 across their two Euro 2025 qualifiers last year.

Meanwhile, in Portugal, England were held to a 1-1 draw. Alessio Russo gave England an early 15th-minute lead with a close-range finish from Lucy Bronze’s cross. But Portugal equalized with 14 minutes remaining when substitute Kika Nazareth scored a brilliant curling shot into the corner of the net after beating Grace Clinton.

England head coach Sarina Wiegman acknowledged the quality of Portugal’s goal but emphasized the need for improvement. “They scored a great goal but we could’ve done better there,” she said. “I’m not thinking about the Euros. I’m just focused on next Wednesday’s match against Spain. It will be a tough game, and we’ll aim for a win.”

In a repeat of last year’s third-place play-off, the Netherlands fought back for a 2-2 draw with Germany in Breda. Lineth Beerensteyn was the star for the Dutch, scoring both goals. Her 15th-minute opener was canceled out by Lea Schueller on the stroke of halftime. Sjoeke Nuesken put Germany ahead in the 50th minute, but Beerensteyn struck again in the 66th minute to earn a point for the Netherlands.

In Toulouse, France, runners-up to Spain in the 2024 Women’s Nations League, edged out Norway 1-0 with a 73rd-minute goal from Marie-Antoinette Katoto.