Belgium 2–1 Portugal: Janice Cayman scores Portugal’s late winner to knock them out of UEFA Women’s Euro 2025

Belgium closed out their Euro 2025 campaign with a dramatic 2–1 win over Portugal, delivering a spirited performance despite both teams being eliminated at this stage. This result denied Portugal their first ever knockout stage appearance, consigning them to a winless finish in the group. Meanwhile, Belgium ended their campaign on a high, claiming only their first victory of the tournament.

Match Summary & Key Moments

• 3′ – Tessa Wullaert gives Belgium the lead with a composed finish after a well-timed Jill Janssens cross.
• 87′ – Telma Encarnação levels the score with a sharp left-footed strike, reigniting Portuguese hopes late in the match.
• 90+6′ – Janice Cayman seals victory for Belgium with a salvo in stoppage time, reacting quickest to a loose ball in the box.

Tactical Breakdown

Portugal dominated possession and created several chances but lacked precision in the final third. Belgium countered with purpose and discipline, drawing early reward and defending resolutely under pressure. Despite two Belgian goals being disallowed by VAR earlier in the second half, the Red Flames held firm.

Player Highlights

• Tessa Wullaert (Belgium) – Opened the scoring early and set the tone, anchoring her side’s counter-attacking threat.
• Janice Cayman (Belgium) – Grabbed the winner in emotional circumstances, delivering a late flourish for her nation.
• Telma Encarnação (Portugal) – Instilled hope with a well-crafted equalizer, though unable to inspire a full comeback.

Reactions & Reflections

Portugal’s coach Francisco Neto expressed profound disappointment after the final whistle, lamenting missed opportunities and defensive lapses that extinguished his team’s quarter-final dreams. Belgium’s Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir, though already out of contention before kick‑off, praised her players’ resilience and focus in ending on a bright note.

Group B Implications

• Belgium finishes third in Group B with 3 points.
• Portugal end at the bottom with just one point.
• Italy and Spain progress to the quarter-finals, with Spain finishing top of the group.