Spain is protecting itself from overconfidence and awaiting Belgium: "If we think about winning without having played, we won't be competitive."

Spain wants to protect itself against the invisible enemy of overconfidence. The 5-0 thrashing of Portugal was the most resounding victory of the opening matchday of the European Championship , but it was only the beginning. The victory against Belgium , and what Italy and Portugal can do in their matchup, could indeed put Spain in the quarterfinals or even top of the group.

"Game by game" isn't just a Montse Tomé phrase, but a motto championed by the entire locker room, and not out of any lack of modesty. They are convinced that only in this way will their ambition be clearly reflected on the field. "We have to keep our feet on the ground. The 5-0 defeat can't confuse us ," warned Olga Carmona. The coach was more explicit: "You can understand why people say that Spain is a very capable team, but inside we have a message of calm. If we think about winning without having played, we won't be competitive . And we don't want anything to distract us."

The coaching staff has been working hard these days to ensure the players remain calm. "The key is to switch on and switch off. The message is that we've only won one game and we have to keep our feet on the ground," he reiterated. Belgium is an opponent he fears, almost more than Portugal.

"They have a different structure and an intention to press higher up the pitch. I think they deserved more against Italy (0-1). If we can dominate them, they'll defend and get out quickly. They're the team that moves the ball best in the group. We tell the players that their clearances are goal-scoring passes," explained Tomé, singling out striker Wullaert and the wingers. "They have players who run a lot but look for link-ups and make passes inside," analyzed the coach, whose teammate on the Belgian bench, Icelander Gunnarsdótti , wants to challenge her for ball possession.

No clues about Cata and Aitana

Spain's starting eleven appears to be solidified with the return of Irene Paredes to the center of defense, but Cata Coll and Aitana remain unknown, more to avoid giving clues to the rival than because Tomé is not clear about it.

The goalkeeper will be in the squad, but with half a training session since traveling to Switzerland, it doesn't look like she'll be a starter. In fact, in the last session she trained on the sidelines, alongside Alba Redondo , who is also struggling with a thigh problem. "We expected a faster recovery. She started training, and we had to take a step back. What she has isn't serious, and we'll decide tomorrow. We're not going to give Belgium an advantage," the coach assured.

Regarding Aitana, there are more doubts. "She has a tremendous mental capacity, she's focused on the Euros, and it was a shame she went through this. Against Portugal, she played the time she could have, prioritizing her health. Now she's recovered ." That could send Vicky López to the bench, although the coach evades the question by alluding to her players' adaptability. "Our job is to put them on the field at the right time based on what the opponent proposes. It gives us peace of mind that they can all participate," she simply said.

Managing this duo will be one of the key challenges at this Euros, given the level of the young player, who scored her first goal. "Ultimately, the coaching staff decided on what we needed to compete in the match and on a 90-minute plan. Everyone is ready and mature enough to accept the role at any given moment," he analyzed.

Carmona: "We'll keep an eye on Belgium."

With Belgium looking to maintain their chances of reaching the knockout stage, Spain knows they will have to contain them. "We know our strengths, the areas we want to improve. Portugal had two very decisive players up front, and we were good at defensive coverage . Belgium is one of the best teams at passing, and we want to keep an eye on them. And we want the ball," explained Olga Carmona.

With extensive experience on the wing, he understands with Claudia Pina , with Mariona , and especially, with Esther , whom he assisted for the first goal in the 2nd minute. "It's with the forward that I speak the most. She's a killer and I'm characterized by centering a lot and I look for her. She knows where to go and where to find her," he assured.

The Belgian coach tried to play the fool—"only 1% of fans don't favor Spain," she said—but Carmona was blunt: "Football is unpredictable, and what we want is to turn the rumors into reality."