Group D: Contested draw between Belgium and Iceland

The spectators didn’t see a football treat, but it was exciting: Belgium and Iceland did not find a winning team in the 1-1 (0-0) in Manchester after an intense fight.

In the interesting Group D, which, alongside favorites France, includes teams of roughly equal strength with Italy, Iceland and Belgium, Belgium and Iceland played the opening match in Manchester City’s Academy Stadium, which had a capacity of just 4,400 spectators. With glorious sunshine and around 22 degrees – ideal football weather – the fans waited in good spirits for what was to come.

Hardly any offensive actions of both teams

The supporters of both teams weren’t exactly spoiled when it came to quality football. Both Belgium and Iceland struggled to get accuracy and directness into their actions from the start. The teams were good at the back, but hardly anything went together at the front.

At most standard situations now and then brought something like danger into both penalty areas. Or long throws by the Icelanders – a trademark of the team from Northern Europe. Iceland’s left winger Sveindis Jonsdottir, who plays for VfL Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, also managed to sprint past her opponent two or three times – but there were initially no chances to score.

Iceland misses a hand penalty

Excitement then came in the 30th minute: After studying the video images, referee Tess Olofsson suddenly pointed to the penalty spot – penalty for Iceland. Belgium defender Davina Philtjens was hit by the ball in the penalty area. However, the Icelanders did not accept the gift: Berglind Thorvaldsdottir shot weakly and half-high into the arms of goalkeeper Nicky Evrard.

It remained 0-0 – the game really didn’t deserve more in the first section.

Thorvaldsdottir heads Iceland 1-0, Vanavermaert equalizes

In the second half, however, the game picked up speed. And it was Thorvaldsdottir, who had previously missed from the penalty spot, that gave Iceland a 1-0 lead: In the 50th minute, Karólína Vilhjálmsdóttir headed in a beautiful cross from the left onto the back post, where Thorvaldsdottir headed in unmarked from close range.

It was now more “tasty” in the game and Belgium soon equalized. Because there was another penalty out of the blue. Elena Dhont was knocked down by Gunhilde Jonsdottir in Iceland’s penalty area. Justine Vanhaevermaert didn’t miss the opportunity. The playmaker safely converted to 1: 1 (66th). And both teams ended up with a point.