Nations League wrap: Slovenia edge Greece, England held

February 22, 2025
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Slovenia came from behind to beat Greece 2-1 in Friday's other Women's Nations League B Group 2 game, with the Republic of Ireland overcoming Turkey 1-0.

Carla Ward got her Ireland reign up and running with a hard-fought and scrappy Nations League victory over Turkey at Tallaght Stadium.

Kyra Carusa's first-half header settled it, but this was a slog for the Girls in Green.

Greece went in front on 26 minutes, with Veatriki Sarri finding the net. Slovenia were level six minutes later courtesy of Maja Sternad. Zara Kramzar scored what proved to be the winner on 67 minutes.

Ireland's next match is away to Slovenia on Tuesday.

European champions England could only muster a 1-1 draw with Portugal to kick off their Nations League campaign on Friday, with Kika Nazareth's late goal cancelling Alessia Russo's early strike in a disappointing opener for England.

Russo struck in the 15th minute of the Group C game in driving rain when Lauren James -- in her first appearance for England in 10 months -- launched a long pass to Lucy Bronze who whipped in a powerful cross from near the corner flag. The 26-year-old Russo tapped home from close range.

But the Portuguese grew into the game and Nazareth levelled in the 75th minute with a blistering shot over goalkeeper Mary Earps, who had been down moments earlier receiving treatment for an apparent injury, and into the top corner.

Nazareth almost bagged a second goal soon after but the shot was blocked by Leah Williamson.
England's Grace Clinton and Ella Toone both pleaded for penalties, to no avail - Clinton when she was tugged down in front of the net late in the first half, and Toone when she was tackled from behind just inside the box deep into injury time.

Spain roared back from two goals down to beat Belgium 3-2 in Friday's other Group C game. Claudia Pina finally put the World Cup winners on the scoresheet in the 77th minute before Lucia Garcia and Cristina Martin-Prieto struck in injury time to avoid an upset.

In Group A, Austria defeated Scotland 1-0 while the Netherlands and Germany played to a 2-2 draw. France edged Norway 1-0 and Euro 2025 hosts Switzerland drew 0-0 with Iceland in Group B.

In Group D, Sweden defeated Denmark 2-1 while Italy edged Wales 1-0. And Poland blanked Northern Ireland 2-0 in Group E while Ireland defeated Turkey 1-0 in Group F.

Additional reporting: Reuters