Spain put six past Belgium to reach knockouts

BBC News

7 days ago

Update:
Date: 19:15 BST
Title: Goodbye!
Content: FT: Spain 6-2 Belgium
Thank you for joining me this evening, where we witnessed yet more Spanish excellence. Who can stand in their way at these European Championships?
You can read Emily Salley's dispatch from Thun by clicking the Report tab at the top of this page. As for me: adieu.
Update:
Date: 19:13 BST
Title: Switch over!
Content: FT: Spain 6-2 Belgium
Our live text coverage of Italy v Portugal is underway already, with the reliable Adam Millington at the controls.
You can follow that game by clicking here.
Update:
Date: 19:10 BST
Title: What comes next?
Content: FT: Spain 6-2 Belgium
The final round of matches in Group B take place on Friday at 20.00 BST.
Spain play Italy, while Belgium take on Portugal. Depending on the result of the late game today, it remains to be seen what matters are still to be decided - whether qualification from the group, or simply league placings.
Update:
Date: 19:08 BST
Title: Spain cruising in Group B
Content: FT: Spain 6-2 Belgium
The world champions are showing their mettle in Group B having scored 11 goals in their opening two games.
They sit firmly on top of the group, while Belgium sit third without a point to their name.
A reminder that Spain could progress later if Portugal don't beat Italy. Belgium will be eliminated if Italy avoid defeat.
Update:
Date: 19:05 BST
Title: 'Daunting task for whoever has to face Spain'
Content: FT: Spain 6-2 Belgium
Rachel CorsieFormer Scotland captain on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Spain deserve all the credit they've had so far. It's a daunting task for whoever has to face them as the tournament progresses. It'll take something special to outdo them or get a win over them.
We barely mentioned a single one of their backline apart from Irene Paredes who scored a goal. You don't have to mention them unless they support an attack.
They're a fantastic side. They've got balance, they've got poise.
It's simply wonderful football.
Update:
Date: 19:03 BST
Title: Watch: 'One of the goals of the tournament so far'
Content: FT: Spain 6-2 Belgium
The pick of the eight goals? Has to be this wonderstrike from Claudia Pina.
Bask in its glory.
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Spain's Pina scores 'one of the goals of the tournament so far'
Update:
Date: 19:02 BST
Title: Watch: Gonzalez scores less than a minute after equaliser
Content: FT: Spain 6-2 Belgium
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Gonzalez puts Spain in the lead less than a minute after equaliser
Update:
Date: 19:01 BST
Title: Watch: Eurlings beats offside trap to equalise
Content: FT: Spain 6-2 Belgium
Irene Paredes restored Spain's lead, but just after half time Belgium pulled level again with a fantastic finish.
We thought the stage might be set for an upset - but Spain had other ideas...
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Eurlings beats offside trap to fire home equaliser
Update:
Date: 19:00 BST
Title: 'Spain side are nothing short of exceptional'
Content: FT: Spain 6-2 Belgium
Rachel CorsieFormer Scotland captain on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
It's another impressive performance from Spain. Their ability on the ball is just incredible to watch. They replace three players with another three incredible players, there's no shortfall there.
Patri underneath that midfield two, she instructed everything, I thought she was excellent.
Alexia Putellas showed her quality and why she won the Ballon d'Or.
It's a Spanish side that are nothing short of exceptional.
Update:
Date: 18:59 BST
Title: Watch: Vanhaevermaet scores equaliser from 'wicked' corner
Content: FT: Spain 6-2 Belgium
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Vanhaevermaet scores equaliser from 'wicked' corner
Update:
Date: 18:58 BST
Title: Watch: Putellas scores 'lovely team goal'
Content: FT: Spain 6-2 Belgium
Back in the mosts of time (the 22nd minute of the game), this is how Spain took the lead.
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Putellas scores 'lovely team goal' for Spain
Update:
Date: 18:57 BST
Title: Post
Content: FT: Spain 6-2 Belgium
Right, shall we see some highlights from that superb game?
There's plenty of goals to get through, so get ready for some spam...
Update:
Date: 18:56 BST
Title: Post
Content: FT: Spain 6-2 Belgium
This is the first time Spain have scored six goals in a Euros match - having netted five for the first time ever versus Portugal last time out.
Much more surprisingly, this is the first time they have ever won back to back games at a Women's Euros.
Update:
Date: 18:54 BST
Title: 'Most nations find it hard to stop Spain'
Content: FT: Spain 6-2 Belgium
Rachel CorsieFormer Scotland captain on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Spain have too much quality and I think once they found their rhythm in the second half it became really difficult for Belgium to stop, and that's for most nations.
For Spain, they will be disappointed that they've given Belgium opportunities from very little because the other teams look at that and potentially use that to their advantage.
Spain have shown their cards on that front and will have to be better when they face better nations later on.
Update:
Date: 18:52 BST
Title: FULL-TIME
Content: Spain 6-2 Belgium
Eight goals, and six of them to almost certainly the best team in this tournament.
Belgium were brave, Spain were stunning.
Update:
Date: 18:51 BST
Title: Get Involved
Content: #bbcfootball, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
If you don't enjoy watching this Spain team, football's not for you. Unstoppable?
Andrew
Update:
Date: 90+3 mins
Title: Post
Content: Spain 6-2 Belgium
This has been the mirror of the Portugal match, where Spain were awesome in the first half and low key after the break.
Today they took some time to get going, but this second half has been a magnificent attacking display.
Alexia Putellas fancies a hat-trick, but curls wide from 18 yards as the keeper dives full stretch.
Update:
Date: 18:48 BST
Title: 'Spain have been exceptional in this Euros'
Content: Spain 6-2 Belgium
Rachel CorsieFormer Scotland captain on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Spain are the team of the tournament so far. They've been exceptional in these two games.
They've been a little untidy today and allowed themselves to concede goals. If there's one blemish you'd say it's that but the quality up front and in the midfield areas is nothing short of remarkable.
Update:
Date: 90+1 mins
Title: Post
Content: Spain 6-2 Belgium
We will have four minutes added time.
Surely time for one more goal, in this game particularly.
Update:
Date: 18:47 BST
Title: Get Involved
Content: #bbcfootball, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)
Stop it with the Mexican waves, shining phone lights and other similar nonsense. This is professional football, not a children's party
John, currently in Zurich
John there, a man after my own heart.