Spain’s Women secure place in Euro last eight

THUN, Switzerland (AP):

World Cup champions Spain booked a spot in the quarterfinals of the Women's European Championship after another statement victory, 6-2 over Belgium yesterday.

It was, surprisingly, the first time Spain won back-to-back matches at the Euros, after beating Portugal 5-0 in their opener.

With 11 goals in two matches, Spain and their star-packed squad are living up to their billing as the tournament favourites and two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas had a stark warning for the other teams.

"The team is having an excellent performance. But almost all of us have room for improvement," Putellas said in translated comments.

She scored two against Belgium and was named Player of the Match in a second straight game.

"I'm feeling very well mentally and I'm being quick," Putellas said. "I see things in advance and for me that's the trigger that I feel good. And that means I can help others."

The result combined with Italy's 1-1 draw against Portugal in the late match advanced Spain to the last eight.

Spain top Group B with six points. Italy are second with four, three more than Portugal. The top two progress to the quarterfinals. On Friday, Italy face Spain in their final group match and Portugal play the eliminated Belgium.

But Belgium can take positives. The Red Flames went toe to toe with Spain before a flurry of late goals had them more concerned about goal difference -- which could be a deciding factor.

"I'm really proud of my team because I know 100 per cent that they had the belief that I was looking for," Belgium coach Elisabet Gunnarsdottir said.

"But, to be honest, I walked into the locker room and I really wanted to cry. Emotionally it was difficult because I really believed in what we were doing and I loved seeing my players give everything. We gave them a really good game for at least 60 minutes."