Portugal’s slim dream of reaching the UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 quarter-finals ended on Friday night after a late 2-1 defeat to Belgium in Sion. Already eliminated, Belgium played with freedom and punished a nervous Portugal side that needed both a win and help from Italy’s result to sneak through. They got neither.
The atmosphere at Stade de Tourbillon was expectant, with Portuguese fans daring to believe in a big scoreline. But Belgium, despite having nothing at stake, showed from the first whistle they would not roll over.
Belgium struck inside three minutes. Jill Janssens ran down the right and delivered a low cross from which captain Tessa Wullaert steered a clinical finish into the far corner. Portugal tried to regroup but struggled to break down Belgium’s organised defence.
Despite dominating possession after the break, Portugal could not finish their chances. Then, in the 87th minute, substitute Telma Encarnação pulled one back, tapping in neatly at the far post after a Kika Nazareth cut-back. The Portuguese fans roared their approval, but knew it was too little too late.
In the 96th minute, Janice Cayman sealed the win. She pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted home, silencing the home support and confirming Portugal’s exit and Italy’s survival.
Player ratings
Whats next?
Both teams will be disappointed with the Euro performance. Portugal exit without a win. Their youthful side showed promise in spells but lacked the killer touch needed under pressure. Belgium leave with some pride restored – picking up their only points of the tournament in the final game.
Group B Team fixtures
Wed 16th Jul
20:00: Norway vs Italy – Stade De Geneve, Geneva, BBC ONE/iPlayer, ITV1/ITVx
Fri 18th Jul
20:00: Spain vs Switzerland – Stadion Wankdorf, Bern, BBC ONE/iPlayer, ITV1/ITVx
Live standings
