{"id":20367,"date":"2023-11-02T02:42:13","date_gmt":"2023-11-02T02:42:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/spain-thrash-swiss-england-stumble-in-belgium-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2023-11-02T02:42:13","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T02:42:13","slug":"spain-thrash-swiss-england-stumble-in-belgium-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/spain-thrash-swiss-england-stumble-in-belgium-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"Spain thrash Swiss, England stumble in Belgium | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nPARIS:
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World champions Spain ruthlessly dispatched Switzerland 7-1 in the Women’s Nations League on Tuesday while England’s hopes of progression were dented by Belgium.<\/p>\n

Alexia Putellas grabbed a goal either side of half-time and an assist as the Spaniards put Switzerland to the sword in Zurich.<\/p>\n

The match was the team’s first since FIFA announced on Monday that former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales had incurred a three-year ban for his forced kiss on Jenni Hermoso<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If the news had any impact on the players, it was soon forgotten as Oihane Hernandez gave them the lead after four minutes, which Putellas then added to seven minutes later.<\/p>\n

The world champions piled the misery on the hosts after the break, adding five goals, Alayah Pilgrim grabbing a consolation strike for the Swiss.<\/p>\n

Star midfielder Aitana Bonmati<\/a> was present for the occasion despite picking up the Ballon d’Or on Monday in Paris.<\/p>\n

Spain sit five points clear of Sweden, who drew 1-1 with Italy, at the top of Group A4 with a maximum 12 points from four matches.<\/p>\n

Switzerland, on the other hand, have endured a difficult start in a tough group, going down to four consecutive losses.<\/p>\n

World Cup runners-up England slipped to a 3-2 defeat in Leuven that puts their Nations League hopes in the balance.<\/p>\n

It was the first time that England have conceded three goals since Sarina Wiegman took over as coach in 2021.<\/p>\n

Laura de Neve curled in a free-kick to give Belgium the lead on nine minutes, only for Lucy Bronze and Fran Kirby to put England back in charge.<\/p>\n

The home side were level, though, before half-time through their captain Tessa Wullaert who struck deep into first-half additional time.<\/p>\n

When Georgia Stanway was penalised for handball five minutes from time, Wullaert calmly put away the penalty to secure the win for Belgium.<\/p>\n

The European champions languish third in Group A1 on six points, three behind leaders Netherlands who won 1-0 in Scotland.<\/p>\n

France stumbled to a 0-0 home draw against Norway, but with 10 points they remain top of group A2, three clear of second-placed Austria who beat Portugal 2-1.<\/p>\n

Herve Renard’s side lacked inspiration but were denied three times by the post as well as some good saves by Norwegian goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n