(Football news) Belgium Women secured qualification to the quarter finals of a European Championship for the first time in history after a 1-0 win over Italy at the City Football Academy. A second half goal by Tine De Caigny was enough to seal the win in the final Group Stage game of the Women’s Euro 2022. Both the teams started off slowly in what was a must-win fixture for either side and there were few real chances. 

Italy had some bright spells and looked to be the stronger of the two sides but couldn’t capitalise on their opportunities. Belgium had the first chance when Hannah Eurlings' shot almost hit the woodwork in the sixth minute while Elena Dhont received a pass from captain Wullaert but her effort was saved by goalkeeper Laura Giuliani. Despite Belgium having 60% possession, the formidable Italian defence kept them at bay and Lucia Di Guglielmo almost found a breakthrough after connecting with a Barbara Bonansea cross. 

Four minutes after the interval, Tine De Caigny finally broke the deadlock for Belgium when a series of scrambled touches resulted in the ball landing on her feet and her calm strike went inside the bottom corner. However, Italy almost found the equaliser a few minutes later when Cristiana Girelli pounced on a loose ball but her effort bounced off the underside of the crossbar. Italian substitute Valentina Giacinti came close to levelling the score but her late strike was stopped by a Belgian defender. Belgium will now take on Sweden in the quarter finals at Leigh Sports Village on Friday.

Also read: Euro 2022: Holland Women score four past Switzerland at Bramall Lane