Justine Vanhaevermaet’s penalty equaliser forced Iceland to share the spoils with Belgium in a 1-1 draw at the Academy Stadium.

The first half was a bitty affair in which Iceland aimed to attack the Belgian flanks through Sveindís Jane Jonsdottir, who terrorised the fullbacks with her speed.

The tactic paid its dividends in the 30th minute when the arm of Davina Philtjens blocked a crossed effort by Jonsdottir, and after a VAR review, Iceland were awarded a penalty.

However, Berglind Thorvaldsdottir’s penalty was tame and easily saved by Nicky Evrard.

The best move of the half came late when Belgium’s Tessa Wullaert played a defence-splitting pass to Janice Cayman, whose cut-back found Elena Dhont inside the box, but her shot trickled wide of the post.

The second half started with Jonsdottir once again the centre of attention as she voyaged on another mazy run past the Belgian defence, but her left-footed shot was hit straight into the grateful hands of Evrard.

Eventually, Iceland broke the deadlock through a calculated back post header from Thorvaldsdottir that Evrard was unable to parry away from goal.

However, the goal did not dampen Belgian spirits as Wullaert led the pursuit for an equaliser, dropping deep to ignite opportunities for her teammates.

Then just after the hour mark, Belgium’s Dhont was brought down in the box by a clumsy challenge from Gunnhildur Yrsa Jónsdóttir, leaving referee Tess Olofssonvno no choice but to award a second penalty of the match.

Reading midfielder Justine Vanhaevermaet stepped up to the spot and sent Sandra Sigurðardóttir the wrong way to bring Belgium back on level terms.

Belgium didn’t stop there as they searched for a second, but Iceland’s defence stood firm and were inspired by the acrobatic saves from their keeper Sigurðardóttir.

Iceland substitute Alexandra Jóhannsdóttir had a final opportunity to win but failed to direct her header on target, and the two sides left the match with a point a piece.

Share and Enjoy !

Shares
Toby Rathborne

Recent Posts

An emotional night at Portland’s wildcard game win over Salt Lake City (photo gallery)

The Portland Timbers needed to answer for last weekend's loss to San Diego in the…

7 hours ago

Fire end playoff drought by dominating Orlando

Chicago Fire 3-1 Orlando City SC BRIDGEVIEW, IL—It had been 5,828 days since Fire fans…

14 hours ago

A tough test at home for the Portland Timbers in the Wildcard match against RSL

(8) Portland Timbers vs (9) Real Salt Lake Wednesday, October 22, 2025 KO 7:30 PM…

2 days ago

New England Revolution 2025 End of Season Review

FOXBOROUGH, MA– New England Revolution have completed the 2025 MLS Season with a record of…

2 days ago

San Diego wins the top of West in memorable inaugural MLS season

It was a busy day in Portland, the “No Kings March” that had gathered earlier…

3 days ago