Women’s Euro 2022: Belgium pip Italy to advance to the quarterfinals
Belgium fended off a determined Italy at the Manchester City Academy Stadium to reach the UEFA Women’s EURO knockout stages for the first time and also secure a place at the World Cup in Australia next year.
As the final group stage matches kicked off, the Group D runners-up slot was still in reach for three teams: Italy, Belgium and Iceland – who were playing section winners France in Rotherham.
With less than a minute gone, Cristiana Girelli pounced on a wayward Belgium pass, forcing Nicky Evrard into early action. However, the Red Flames engineered two chances shortly after, Hannah Eurlings firing off target before Elena Dhont’s outstretched leg was a fraction away from connecting with Tessa Wullaert’s cross from the right.
Manuela Giugliano’s solo effort from the edge of the box inside 18 minutes sailed narrowly wide as the Azzurre began to grow into the match.
Utilising the flanks as their main attacking outlet, Italy’s best chance of the first half came from Barbara Bonansea’s cross-shot, as she jagged in from the right channel and fizzed across the face of goal.
An exciting second half ensued when in an unexpected turn, Tine De Caigny launched Belgium into the lead as Italy failed to clear their lines. As Group B stood, Belgium would be going through. Girelli looked to equalise immediately, but her fine effort crashed off the crossbar.
Italy piled on the pressure and in the 79th minute, Valentina Giacinti drilled desperately wide of the post. However, Belgium had now reshaped into a compact 4-1-4-1 system, which was proving tough for the Italians to penetrate.
In extra time, Wullaert broke free to strike the post, before Belgium dug in as the Azzurre gave their all.
However, it was Ives Serneels’ team’s night as they clinched the Group D runners-up spot to qualify from the group stage for the first time and set up a quarter-final with Sweden on Friday 22 July in Wigan & Leigh.
