July 7 – Belgium manager Elisabeth Gunnarsdottir (pictured) has said that her team needs ‘the right flow’ to defeat world champions Spain, who kicked off their tournament with a statement victory against Portugal and can count on the returning Aitana Bonmati.
It was a bold statement from Gunnarsdottir because, in reality, the Belgian underdogs will require a miracle against Spain to keep their chances at Euro 2025 alive. She drew on Belgium’s 3-2 defeat against Spain in the Nations League to make the case for her team.
“There’s a model behind the word flow, where you have to get to the right side,” said Gunnarsdottir. “Look, I know we were there in Spain. I saw my players enjoying themselves against a good team. Only we weren’t in control in the last 15 minutes.”
“But I know I can get my players there again. I like the challenge of saying the right things to my group of players and staff. It’s the toughest job of a coach, but it’s an interesting one.”
Belgium have not defeated Spain since 2004, but they came close in the Nations League when they led the world champions 2-0 before capitulating 3-2 in the last 15 minutes in February in Valencia. The Belgians scored twice in transition and will seek to apply the same strategy, one of sitting deep and counterattacking, something the Spain manager has recognised.
“We know Belgium very well. If we manage to dominate them, it’s gong to be a match where they will sit back and look to counterattack. They have very fast players…I think they are the best team in the group when it comes to transitions. Beyond their talent, you can see the work behind it. They have a clear idea of how they want to play, and I see them as a strong team,” said Montse Tome.
She confirmed that Bonmati is available for the match. Bonmati had a brief cameo against Portugal as Spain wrapped up an impressive 5-0 victory with a performance that bordered on the perfect. Alexia Putellas was the woman of the match, teenager Vicky Lopez starred and Bonmati got minutes. In May, Spain also put five goals past Belgium in their last Nations League encounter.
Perhaps Tome’s words were simply a courtesy. At least, the Belgians can count on their king’s support in the stands in Thun on Monday to steer the team to what would be an almighty upset.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1752073102labto1752073102ofdlr1752073102owedi1752073102sni@i1752073102tnuk.1752073102ardni1752073102mas1752073102