Belgium eliminate Italy at women's Euros

Midfielder Tine de Caigny scored in the 49th minute and Belgium clung on to win on Monday. After the final whistle, the Belgians had to wait for confirmation as Iceland drew with already-qualified France 1-1 after 12 minutes of added time.

That sets up a quarter-final for Belgium against Sweden on Friday.

France were already assured of winning the group and play the defending champion Netherlands on Saturday.

After a cagey first half, de Caigny brought the game to life. Italy repeatedly failed to clear the ball from a free kick and de Caigny hit a powerful shot from just inside the penalty area.

Italy had plenty of chances as striker and captain Cristiana Girelli cannoned a shot off the underside of the crossbar shortly after de Caigny's goal, and substitute Valentina Giacinti struck a shot which deflected just wide of the post.

Belgium captain Tessa Wullaert hit the post in added time.

Iceland scored a penalty with the last kick of the game in the 12th minute of added time for the draw. The referee blew for the end of the game, denying them the chance to seek a winning goal to qualify.

France gave time to fringe players but still took the lead with Melvine Malard's goal 43 seconds into the game, the quickest of the tournament so far.

France twice celebrated being 2-0 ahead before having goals ruled out on video review. A second for Malard was ruled offside, and Grace Geyoro was found to have handballed before netting in the 88th.

Iceland would have qualified with a win over France, but could have reached the quarters with a draw or even a loss if Italy had levelled against Belgium, depending on the tie-breaker of yellow and red cards.

UEFA Women's European Championship quarter-finals:

England v Spain, July 20, Brighton & Hove Community Stadium

Germany v Austria, July 21, Brentford Community Stadium

Sweden v Belgium, July 22, Leigh Sports Village

France v Netherlands, July 23, New York Stadium

With Reuters.

Australian Associated Press