UEFA Women’s Euro: Group B Match Guide | OneFootball

Group B of the 2025 Euros play their first matches on Thursday, July 3rd.

Group B Overview

You could call this the Mediterrano-Iberian group, as it contains Italy, Spain, Portugal and Belgium. If you know your history, you’ll recall that Belgium was a part of the Spanish Empire for centuries, so that label is still somewhat accurate. Spain advancing is a near certainty, but that second spot is up for grabs by the other three, all of whom are up-and-comers in the European women’s soccer scene.

Belgium vs. Italy

July 3rd, 12pm ET @ Stade de Tourbillon, Sion, Switzerland Watch on FS1

Belgium really doesn’t want you to think they’re only Tessa Wullaert… but in reality they’re all about Tessa Wullaert. In her last 16 matches Wullaert has 10g/8a. No other Red Flame is even close, though Ella van Kerkhoven netted 3 goals and there are two other players with 2 assists. A fresh face to watch is Marian Toloba, a scrappy streetballer known for her dribbling skills and exquisite close game. She had a breakout year and was rewarded with a contract with French side Nantes. Belgium’s form has been shaky, with 6 wins, 7 losses and a draw in the last year. They did record a victory over powerhouse England, but are certainly looking for 3 points out of this fixture to put them on the right path.

Italy’s main weapon is 35 year old Cristiana Girelli. She’s coming off a 19 goal season with Juventus, and has 3 goals in her last 3 games for her country. Her counterpart up front is Sofia Cantore, who recorded 13g/7a with Juventus but will be suiting up for the Washington Spirit after the tournament. Midfielder Manuela Giugliano is a creative threat with 4 assists for Italy, plus 14g/8a with Roma in the previous season. Manager Andrea Soncin was brought on to ensure the terrible performances of 2022’s Euros and 2023’s World Cup do not happen again, and so far has delivered. In the past year Le Azzurre have 6 wins, 3 draws and only 2 losses.

Spain vs. Portugal

July 3rd, 3pm ET @ Stadion Wankdorf, Bern, Switzerland Watch on FOX

Lifting the trophy is the only acceptable outcome for Spain, but first they need to win here. They are two-time World Cup winners, but have never moved past the quarter-finals in the Euros. The sting of failure at the 2024 Olympics is also fresh. Barcelona star and Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas is healthy and coming off a banner season (she missed the 2022 Euros to an ACL tear), and should punish the Portuguese back line. The entire roster of this squad is outstanding and there are no major weaknesses. In the two games these two sides played during the Nations League Spain won 11 – 3 on aggregate. Expect a similarly high goal count.

Since their strong qualification campaign, the wheels have come off the bus for the Portuguese team. They have a single draw out of their last five games (a nil-nil friendly against Nigeria) and have been outscored 21 to 3. This is not good momentum. To make matters worse, they open the tournament facing the #1 team in the world, Iberian rivals Spain. Stemming their neighbor’s attack will be the job of keeper Inês Pereira and veteran Benfica defenders Carole Costa and Catarina Amado. Up front, pressure to score goals normally falls on Francisca “Kika” Nazareth. However, she’s been injured since March and her time on the pitch could be curtailed. Injuries have also sidelined Gotham NY/NJ’s Jessica Silva for most of 2025. Perhaps newcomer Telma Encarnação, from the tiny island of Madeira, can make a name for herself.