PARIS:
World champions Spain crushed Switzerland 7-1 in the Women’s Nations League on Tuesday, while England’s hopes of progressing were dashed by Belgium.
Alexia Putellas had a goal either side of half-time and an assist as Spain put Switzerland to the sword in Zurich.
The match was the team’s first since FIFA announced on Monday that former Spanish soccer captain Luis Rubiales was handed a three-year ban for his forced kiss on Jenny Hermozo.
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 seven minutes later.
The world champions piled the misery on the hosts after the break, adding five goals, Alayah Pilgrim grabbing a consolation strike for the Swiss.
Star midfielder Aitana Bonamati was on hand for the occasion despite picking up the Ballon d’Or on Monday in Paris.
Spain are five points clear of Sweden, who drew 1-1 with Italy, at the top of Group A4 with a maximum of 12 points from four games.
Switzerland, on the other hand, have endured a difficult start to a tough group, slumping to four straight defeats.
World Cup runners-up England slipped to a 3-2 defeat in Leuven that hangs their Nations League hopes in the balance.
It was the first time England had conceded three goals since Sarina Wigman took over as manager in 2021.
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 front.
The hosts were level, however, before half-time through their captain Tessa Wullaert who struck deep into first-half added time.
When Georgia Stanway was booked for handball five minutes from time, Wullaert calmly converted the penalty to secure victory for Belgium.
The European champions are third in Group A1 with six points, three behind leaders Holland who won 1-0 in Scotland.
France stumbled to a 0-0 home draw against Norway but remain top of Group A2 with 10 points, three ahead of second-placed Austria who beat Portugal 2-1.
Herve Renard’s side lacked inspiration but were denied three times by the post, as well as some fine saves from Norwegian goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen.
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