Belgium players celebrate during their Women's Euro clash with Italy at Manchester City Academy Stadium in Manchester, England, July 18, 2022. /CFP
Belgium players celebrate during their Women's Euro clash with Italy at Manchester City Academy Stadium in Manchester, England, July 18, 2022. /CFP
Belgium secured the last spot in the Euro 2022 quarterfinals as Tina De Caigny's goal beat Italy 1-0 in sweltering temperatures in Manchester, the UK on Monday.
The Hoffenheim striker's predatory finish early in the second half made sure of second place in Group B behind France to set up a last eight meeting with Sweden on Friday.
Despite scoring a late penalty, a 1-1 draw for Iceland against a much-changed France was not enough for them to progress as they became the first side to bow out of a women's Euro from the group stage unbeaten.
In just their second ever major tournament, Belgium reached the knockout phase for the first time to round off a miserable few weeks for Italy.
Belgium's Hannah Eurlings (R) and Elisa Bartoli of Italy during their Women's Euro clash at Manchester City Academy Stadium in Manchester, England, July 18, 2022. /CFP
Belgium's Hannah Eurlings (R) and Elisa Bartoli of Italy during their Women's Euro clash at Manchester City Academy Stadium in Manchester, England, July 18, 2022. /CFP
"This is a historic night for Belgian women's football," said Belgium coach Ives Serneels. "This might be the best moment yet. It has been a long time in the making."
"I've been with the Belgian women's national team for 11 years now, so I'm ecstatic that we're going to the quarterfinals."
Hopes had been high for the Azzurre given Juventus' promising run in the Champions League last season and the upcoming professionalization of the women's Serie A.
However, they failed to recover from shipping five goals in the first half to France in their opening game.
"We lacked calmness," said Italy coach Milena Bertolini. "We put too much pressure on ourselves."
Iceland players acknowledge the fans following their Women's Euro clash with France at The New York Stadium in Rotherham, England, July 18, 2022. /CFP
Iceland players acknowledge the fans following their Women's Euro clash with France at The New York Stadium in Rotherham, England, July 18, 2022. /CFP
In Rotherham, France did enough to see off Iceland's hopes of reaching the quarterfinals, whilst still keeping plenty in reserve for their last eight clash with holders the Netherlands on Saturday.
A serious knee injury to Marie-Antoinette Katoto that has ended her tournament gave Melvine Malard the chance to start up front.
The Lyon striker took less than a minute to open the scoring when she slotted Clara Mateo's pass into the far corner.
France had two further goals from Malard and substitute Grace Geyoro ruled out after VAR reviews.
And another controversial VAR call gifted Iceland a penalty with the last-kick of the game.
Dagny Brynjarsdottir smashed the spot-kick into the top corner, but it was too little, too late for Iceland who go out after drawing all three of their group games.
Source(s): AFP