July 19 – On Monday, Belgium completed the quarterfinal line-up of Euro 2022 following a narrow 1-0 victory against Italy. Out of the group stages for the first time, the Red Flames will play Sweden for a spot in the last four.
A 49th-minute strike from Tine De Caigny was enough to send Belgium to the last eight of the tournament. In the heat of Manchester, Italy tried to respond but ultimately could not find an equaliser or a winner.
“This is a historic moment after all,” said Belgium’s coach Ives Serneels. “The biggest stunt ever in women’s football. I see them all, players and all the staff, everyone behind the scenes working so hard every day. That touches me. Iceland, France, Italy until the last minute. In that heat. What a relief!”
In Group D’s other matches, France drew with a resilient Iceland, 1-1. The result meant that Belgium finished runners-up on four points and Iceland third with three points. In the first minute of the game Melvine Mallard had given the French, largely playing a reserve team, the lead, but 12 minutes into injury time Dagny Brynjarsdottir equalised.
France, who have never won a major women’s tournament, will play reigning European champions the Netherlands in their quarterfinal. Germany take on neighbours Austria and in the pick of the last eight hosts, England will face Spain.
Quarter-finals:
20/7: England – Spain
21/7: Germany – Austria
22/7: Sweden – Belgium
23/7: France – Netherlands
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