Belgium delivered a heartbreaking blow to Portugal’s Euro 2025 hopes with a last-gasp 2-1 victory in their final Group B clash, eliminating the Portuguese side from knockout-stage contention. Despite already being out of quarter-final contention themselves, Belgium played with pride as Janice Cayman struck in the 96th minute to secure a dramatic win. Portugal, needing a victory to advance, fell short despite a late equalizer, finishing bottom of the group while Spain and Italy progressed.
The match began in dream fashion for Belgium as captain Tessa Wullaert fired them ahead in just the third minute, finishing off a swift counterattack. “Scoring was great, but helping the team win means more,” said Wullaert. Portugal, desperate to keep their tournament alive, piled on relentless pressure but struggled to break through Belgium’s resolute defense until Telma Encarnação’s 87th-minute equalizer set up a tense finale.
However, Portugal’s hopes were crushed in stoppage time when Cayman capitalized on a defensive error to slot home the winner. Belgium had two second-half goals disallowed—one for a foul and another for offside—adding to the chaotic nature of the match. The victory provided a bittersweet end to Belgium’s campaign, while Portugal’s players were left in tears after failing to reach their first-ever European knockout stage.
Portugal’s tournament had begun under emotional circumstances following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, and fans paid tribute with shirts and banners in the stands. “We wanted more, but we couldn’t finish our chances,” said defender Lúcia Alves. Belgium, meanwhile, ended on a high note despite their earlier elimination, proving their resilience in a match that encapsulated the drama of tournament football.