Paris- Salma Paralluelo’s hat-trick led Spain to a 7-0 victory over Belgium in their opening Euro 2025 qualifying match. Meanwhile, Marie-Antoinette Katoto secured a narrow home win for France against Ireland.

Paralluelo’s goals, along with Jenni Hermoso’s strike, gave Spain a strong start. Paralluelo scored her third goal just after halftime, with Esther Gonzalez and Sheila Garcia adding to the scoreline. Spain coach Montse Tome praised Paralluelo’s performance, despite recent controversies within the Spanish Football Federation.

In Belgium, Paralluelo opened the scoring early, and Hermoso doubled the lead. Paralluelo completed her hat-trick with a goal assisted by former Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas. Spain secured an emphatic win with further goals from Gonzalez and Garcia.

In other matches, Denmark defeated the Czech Republic 3-1, while France beat Ireland 1-0, with Katoto scoring the decisive goal. England drew 1-1 with Sweden, and Norway triumphed 4-0 over Finland. Italy defeated the Netherlands 2-0, Iceland won 3-0 against Poland, and Germany came from behind to beat Austria 3-2.

In League B, Wales won 4-0 against Croatia, Scotland drew 0-0 with Serbia, Montenegro defeated Andorra 6-1, and Luxembourg came from behind to beat Albania 2-1.- AFP