Champions Spain fight back in Women’s Nations League opener, England held

PARIS: Spain kicked off their Women’s Nations League title defense by fighting back to snatch a thrilling 3-2 win over Belgium on Friday while European champions England were held to a 1-1 draw in Portugal.

In Valencia, Mariam Toloba gave Belgium a surprise early lead against 2023 World Cup winners Spain and Tessa Wullaert struck a second in the 72nd minute.

Spain, who will be among the favorites at Euro 2025 this summer, where they will face Belgium again, pulled a goal back through Claudia Pina to spark their comeback.

Lucia Garcia levelled in stoppage time and Benfica’s Cristina Martin-Prieto blasted home with virtually the final touch of the game to complete the job.

Spain were without injured two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas, as well as World Cup star Jenni Hermoso, whom coach Montse Tome did not call up.

The 34-year-old won her sexual assault case against disgraced former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales this week.

Belgium coach Elisabet Gunnarsdottir was taking charge of her first match at the helm, in which she could not have asked for a tougher challenge.

In Euro 2025 qualifying last year Spain thumped Belgium 9-0 across the two games.

“I’m very happy, the group deserved it. We had to get the three points here,” said Spain’s match-winner Martin-Prieto, who was a late call-up after Amaiur Sarriegi was injured.

In the same section, England and Portugal finished level at 1-1 in Portimao.

Alessio Russo gave England a 15th-minute lead with a close-range tap-in from a cross by Lucy Bronze.

However, they were pegged back with 14 minutes left when substitute Kika Nazareth deservedly equalized after beating Grace Clinton before curling the ball into the corner of the net.

“They