Belgium and Russia will meet in the final of the Costa Cálida Pinatar Cup next Tuesday evening after hard fought victories against Wales and Ireland on Saturday.
The Belgian team had to resort to penalty shots to overcome Wales, the revelation of the championship.
Wales were impressive in a competitive 0-0 draw but misses by Charlie Estcourt, Lily Woodham and Angharad James saw them beaten 3-1 on penalties.
They can be pleased with their display, however, at a blustery Pinatar Arena as they held the tournament’s top-ranked team.
Wales manager Gemma Grainger said after the match: “I thought it was an unbelievable performance, it is really building belief in this group.”
Ireland, meanwhile, went out to Russia where an early goal proved to be the difference as a much-changed Republic of Ireland lost 1-0 to Russia in La Manga on Saturday evening.
Ireland will be disappointed with the result, but manager Vera Pauw can pick out many positives and now knows that she can call on numerous players for the remainder of the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign should they be needed.
Next up for Ireland and Wales is a third-place play-off on Tuesday, also at La Manga.
In the consolation draw Scotland returned to winning ways after beating Slovakia 2-0 and will play for fifth place with Hungary who beat Poland 1-0.
The final of the Costa Cálida Pinatar Cup will be played next Tuesday, February 22 at 8:30 p.m. at Pinatar Arena.
