Women's Euro: Belgium surprises Italy by completing the round of 16

July 19 - Belgium completed the Euro 2022 quarter-final table on Monday after a narrow 1-0 win over Italy. Out of the group stages for the first time, the Red Flames will face Sweden for a place in the last four.

A strike from Tine De Caigny in the 49th minute was enough to send Belgium through to the quarter-finals of the tournament. In the heat of Manchester, Italy tried to respond but ultimately found no equalizer or winner.

"It's a historic moment after all," Belgium coach Ives Serneels said. "The biggest stunt of all time in women's football. I see them all, players and all the staff, everyone behind the scenes working so hard every day. It touches me. Iceland, France, Italy until the last minute. In this heat. What a relief!"

In other Group D matches, France drew 1-1 with resilient Iceland. The result meant Belgium finished second with four points and Iceland third with three points. Within the first minute of the match, Melvine Mallard had given the French the lead, largely playing a reserve side, but 12 minutes into added time Dagny Brynjarsdottir equalized.

France, who have never won a major women's tournament, will face defending European champions the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. Germany take on neighboring Austria and in the final eight hosts England will face Spain.

Quarter-finals:

20/7: England v Spain

21/7: Germany – Austria

22/7: Sweden – Belgium

23/7: France – Netherlands

Contact the author of this story at moc.l1658284175labto1658284175ofdlr1658284175owedi1658284175sni@i1658284175tnuk.1658284175ardni1658284175mas1658284p>