Janice Cayman Goal Ends Portugal Hopes But Can’t Save Belgium

Janice Cayman goal in stoppage time shattered Portugal’s resistance on Monday night, handing Belgium a 2-1 victory yet doing nothing to prevent both nations bowing out of Euro 2025 at the group stage.

How the Janice Cayman goal unfolded

With the clock deep into added time, a slick one-two between Tessa Wullaert and Jody Vangheluwe opened a narrow channel on the right. Cayman ghosted between tiring defenders, met the low cross first time and guided the ball inside Patrícia Morais’ near post. The strike was vintage Cayman—precise, composed, ruthlessly decisive—and briefly ignited Belgian celebrations inside Gothenburg’s Gamla Ullevi.

Match in brief

Portugal had taken a deserved 39th-minute lead when Jéssica Silva steered home from close range, only for Wullaert to level from the spot after half-time. Both sides needed a two-goal margin to stand any chance of overtaking Spain or Italy, and chance followed frantic chance before the Janice Cayman goal arrived. Ultimately, Spain’s 1-1 draw with Italy rendered the late drama academic.

Tournament ramifications

• Spain top Group B, Italy finish second—both advance.
• Belgium sign off third with four points, Portugal bottom with one.
• Belgian coach Ives Serneels hailed his squad’s “fighters’ spirit”, while Portuguese counterpart Francisco Neto lamented missed chances.

Opinion: Late glory, lingering regrets

Cayman’s brilliance deserved a stage beyond the group phase, but Belgium’s earlier wastefulness cost them dear. Likewise, Portugal’s enterprising play delivered too few goals. The lesson? Even sublime moments like the Janice Cayman goal cannot mask the unforgiving mathematics of tournament football.