During this international break, the European countries played qualifying matches for the 2019 World Cup. In Group 6, the shock for first place faced Italy in Belgium. At home, Italy will be led to score before coming back and then win on the score of 2-1. A victory that allows the Squadra Azzura to consolidate its first place with 8 points ahead of the Belgians.


At the end of last week, Italy won 3-1 in Moldova and was ready to receive Belgium in the best possible arrangements. Leader of his group, Italy saw at the same time Belgium be held in check by Portugal (1-1).

A meeting that was decided during an incredible end of the game where both goals were scored in injury time. With this result, the match in the Transalpines was sure to keep the first place of the group 6, even if Belgium counts a match in poins with respect to Italy.


Cayman launches hostilities


The Belgians start the meeting much better and impose their rhythm on Ferrara. Italy is taking longer to find its bearings and is struggling in its raises. However, many fouls are hissed, and it is on free kicks from Manuela Giugliano that the Italians will be able to start approaching the goal of Justien Smells. But this is still too rough to bring a real danger.

Belgium's side continue to push and will get the first chances of goal, including this shot by Tessa Wullaert pushed back by the goalkeeper (35th). A highlight of the Red Flames which will be concretized by a goal from Janice Cayman (37th) following a penalty obtained by the neo-Parisian Davina Vanmechelen. Faced with Laura Giuliani, the Belgian captain does not tremble and transforms a perfect counter foot.

A logical opening of the score for Belgium, but Italy will show an almost immediate reaction capacity. This goal is good for them and pushes them further forward. A better face that will allow them to equalize before the break. Alia Guagni makes the difference on the right side and takes Kassandra Misipo's speed. It then centers on the ground, strong, in front of the goal. Odors is too short to deflect this center, and Martina Rosucci emerges at the far post to push deep into the net (42 '). In the wake, the Squadra Azzura even misses the advantage. Alia Guagni is found alone in the surface. She has time to control before hitting, but her shot from the left is unscrewed and misses the frame (44 ').


Girelli shower the Belgian hopes


The locals start better the second period, and the meeting is more balanced. A match played, where the actions are linked from one goal to another. Vanmechelen strikes a pivot, but stumbles on the door of Juventus (56th), then at the other end, on a center of Giugliano, Cecilia Salvai sees his head pass right next to the right post of Smells.

Finally, it is the players of Milena Bertolini who will succeed in winning by finding the fault in the last ten minutes. On the left side of the box, Barbara Bonansea passes down to Cristiana Girelli, back to the goal six meters from it. The Italian number ten then comes to trigger a pivotal strike that crucifies the goalkeeper of Jena at close range. Shortly after, Italy does not go far to make the break by Giugliano, on a far shot that hits the right post (84).


With six wins in six games (out of the eight that each team has played in these playoffs), Italy is not far to get his ticket to France, although Belgium has one less match. The Squadra Azzura will host Portugal on June 8 and, in the event of a victory, could secure its participation in the 2019 World Cup, even before its last match in Belgium.


Photo: DAVID CATRY - BELGA