By Samindra Kunti in Leuven
April 8 – World champions Spain kicked off their Euro 2025 qualifying campaign with a 7-0 demolition job of Belgium as FC Barcelona’s Salma Paralluelo starred, scoring a hat-trick.
Considered by some as the best player in the world, Paralluelo was rampant against a lethargic Belgium and carved open the opposing defence with consummate ease to impress upon everyone once again that Spain with their technical expertise and attacking prowess will be favourites to win the European championship next year in Switzerland.
Ever labouring under the shadow of former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales who was arrested last week at Madrid airport in a corruption probe, the Spanish women struck twice inside the first 15 minutes to decide the match early on and never looked back.
Two minutes into the second half, Paralluelo completed her hat-trick.
Spain did not relent and substitute Esther Gonzalez scored twice to compound Belgium’s miserable evening at home. Five minutes before the end, Sheila Garcia scored Spain’s seventh.
Spain have never won the European Championship but they should easily top a qualifying group that includes the Czech Republic and Denmark ahead of the main finals and a chance to reign over Europe. On Tuesday, they take on the Czechs, who lost 3-1 to Denmark.
Elsewhere, Sweden held England to a 1-1 draw while Italy defeated the Netherlands 2-0 and Germany came from behind to beat neighbours Austria 3-2.
The qualifiers have been revamped with 51 teams competing across three leagues for a spot at Euro 2025 in Switzerland. The host nation overcame Turkey 3-1 on home soil.
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