Defending Champions Spain Stage Thrilling Comeback, England Held to Draw in Women’s Nations League Opener

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

In Valencia, Belgium took the lead early, with Mariam Toloba stunning Spain by scoring the first goal. Tessa Wullaert then doubled Belgium’s advantage in the 72nd minute, putting Spain on the back foot. However, the defending champions, who are favorites for Euro 2025, mounted a thrilling comeback. Claudia Pina pulled a goal back for Spain, sparking the revival.

In dramatic fashion, Lucia Garcia equalized in stoppage time, and with virtually the last touch of the game, Cristina Martin-Prieto from Benfica scored to seal the win for Spain.

Despite being without Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner sidelined with injury, and Jenni Hermoso, who was omitted from the squad by coach Montse Tome, Spain showed resilience. Hermoso had made headlines earlier this week after winning her sexual assault case against the disgraced former Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales.

Belgium’s new coach, Elisabet Gunnarsdottir, faced a tough challenge in her debut match at the helm, with Spain having thrashed Belgium 9-0 in their two Euro 2025 qualifying matches last year.

Martin-Prieto, the match-winner, expressed her joy after the game, saying, “I’m very happy; the group deserved it. We had to get the three points here,” having been a late call-up after Amaiur Sarriegi suffered an injury.

Meanwhile, in Portimao, England were held to a 1-1 draw by Portugal. Alessio Russo gave England an early lead with a 15th-minute tap-in from Lucy Bronze’s cross. But in the 76th minute, Portugal responded as substitute Kika Nazareth curled a beautiful shot past Grace Clinton, securing a deserved equalizer for the hosts.

England coach Sarina Wiegman reflected on the match, saying, “They scored a great goal but we could’ve done better there.” She also emphasized focusing on the immediate challenge ahead, adding, “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 try to win it.”

In Breda, the Netherlands fought to a 2-2 draw with Germany in a repeat of last year’s third-place play-off. Lineth Beerensteyn scored twice for the Dutch, first in the 15th minute before Lea Schueller equalized for Germany just before halftime. Sjoeke Nuesken then gave Germany the lead early in the second half, but Beerensteyn, the top scorer from last season’s tournament, secured a point for the Netherlands with a 66th-minute header from Chastity Grant’s cross.

Finally, in Toulouse, France, runners-up to Spain in 2024, edged out Norway 1-0 thanks to a 73rd-minute goal from Marie-Antoinette Katoto. The match saw Eugenie Le Sommer make history, coming off the bench to match Sandrine Soubeyrand’s record of 198 caps for France.