Can Anyone Stop Spain? Group B Guide
Spain, the reigning world champions, are the clear favorites in Group B, which also includes Portugal, Belgium, and Italy. After their victory over England in the 2023 World Cup final, Spain is aiming to add a European crown to their accolades. However, Belgium, Italy, and Portugal have shown significant progress and are ready to challenge the world champions.
Belgium
- Manager: Elisabet Gunnarsdottir (Icelandic, appointed 2025)
- Captain: Tessa Wullaert (Forward, Inter Milan)
- Key Player: Marie Detruyer (Midfielder, Inter Milan)
Form: Belgium secured their spot in Euro 2025 with impressive play-off wins over Greece and Ukraine. Despite a heavy 5-1 defeat by Spain, they ended their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Portugal.
Tournament Hopes: Under new management, Belgium has shown potential with wins over England and a strong performance against Spain. Striker Tessa Wullaert will be crucial to their success.
Italy
- Manager: Andrea Soncin (Italian, appointed 2023)
- Captain: Elena Linari (Centre-back, Roma)
- Key Player: Manuela Giugliano (Midfielder, Roma)
Form: Italy topped their qualifying group ahead of the Netherlands and Norway. They head into the Euros with wins against Wales and Denmark in the Nations League.
Tournament Hopes: Italy, under Andrea Soncin, has defeated top teams like Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands. Consistency will be key for their progress.
Portugal
- Manager: Francisco Neto (Portuguese, appointed 2014)
- Captain: Dolores Silva (Midfielder, Braga)
- Key Player: Jessica Silva (Winger, Gotham)
Form: Portugal qualified with five wins in six games and secured their spot with play-off victories over Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic.
Tournament Hopes: Portugal has never advanced past the group stage in major tournaments but has shown they can compete with the best, as seen in their draw against the USA at the 2023 World Cup.
Spain
- Manager: Montse Tome (Spanish, appointed 2023)
- Captain: Irene Paredes (Centre-back, Barcelona)
- Key Player: Aitana Bonmati (Midfielder, Barcelona)
Form: Spain dominated their qualifying group, with their only loss coming against the Czech Republic. They have lost only once in their last 10 games.
Tournament Hopes: With world-class players like Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, Spain is the favorite to win Euro 2025. However, questions remain over Montse Tome's ability to deliver a major trophy.
Group B Fixtures
- Belgium v Italy, 3 July, 17:00 BST
- Spain v Portugal, 3 July, 20:00 BST
- Spain v Belgium, 7 July, 17:00 BST
- Portugal v Italy, 7 July, 20:00 BST
- Italy v Spain, 11 July, 20:00 BST
- Portugal v Belgium, 11 July, 20:00 BST
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