Spain's national women's football team warmed up for their first ever appearance at the Olympic Games with a 2-0 win over Belgium on Tuesday night in Deportivo La Coruna's Riazor Stadium in their final qualifying match for next summer's European Championships.
Spain were already assured qualification for Euro 2025 and Belgium were unable to overtake Denmark, who are second in their qualifying group. With nothing at stake for either side, the match served as a warm-up match for Spain before they kick off their Olympic campaign against Japan in Nantes on July 25.
With Belgium sitting deep and clearly looking to avoid a repeat of the 7-0 defeat they suffered against Spain in April, it took the home side time to get going, but they gradually began to dominate, and the chances started to flow.
Lucia Garcia had one shot well saved by impressive Belgium goalkeeper Lisa Lichtfus, who then denied Olga Carmona and Athenea del Castello after she had been set up by Alexia Putellas.
Eva Navarro had two chances to put Spain ahead, shooting well wide when slipped through on goal and then firing tamely at Lichtfus.
A goal looked to be coming, and it was no surprise when Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati got it, timing her run perfectly to get on the end of Carmona's pinpoint ball from the left in the 37th minute.
The second half again saw Spain frustrated by Lichtfus, with Alexia having a corner clawed away and Garcia hitting the crossbar after a neat backheel from her teammate.
Garcia's misfortunes continued when Amber Tysiak blocked her goal-bound efforts.
Belgium coach Ives Serneels made a series of changes with 20 minutes to go, and his side looked to take the game to Spain, but the home side got a second in injury time when substitute Teresa Abelleira was given too much space from just inside her own half and fired over Lichtfus who was caught off her line.
There was still time for Jenni Hermoso to hit the woodwork again for Spain, but another goal would have been harsh on Belgium.
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