with forceps, Belgium eliminates Portugal

The round of 16 of Euro 2020 continued this Sunday evening with the clash between Belgium and Portugal in Seville. First in group B with nine points, the Red Devils wanted to continue their journey in the competition by defeating the reigning European champion. The latter granted himself the right to play in the eighth thanks to his third place obtained in Group F. The teammates of Cristiano Ronaldo obviously did not want to let go of their title tonight. For this 9 pm poster, Roberto Martinez lined up a 3-4-3 with the trio De Bruyne, Lukaku, Eden Hazard at the forefront. Fernando Santos opted for a 4-3-3 with Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Jota in attack.

From the start, Portugal got a good opportunity by Jota well served by Sanches. But the Liverpool striker crossed his shot too much (5th). The reigning European champion made an interesting start to the match and Ronaldo on a free kick forced Courtois to work (25th). The two teams feared each other and left little space. Against all expectations, Belgium opened the scoring just before the break with their first shot on target of the match. Although shifted by Meunier, Thorgan Hazard unleashed a vicious strike that deceived Rui Patricio (1-0, 42nd).

Belgium bends but does not break

Upon returning from the locker room, the Red Devils prematurely lost Kevin de Bruyne to injury (47th). Fernando Santos’ men threw all their strength into the battle and Jota, well served by Ronaldo, saw his attempt slip away just above (58th). Much more enterprising since the recovery, the Portuguese were pushing. Sanches on the left centered for Joao Felix whose head was well captured by Courtois (60th). In the last quarter of an hour, the spirits were heating up and the contacts became rougher.

The defending champion set off to attack Belgian goals but Ruben Dias’ header was well boxed by Courtois (82nd). In the process, Guerreiro saw his volley from the inside of the foot hitting the post (83 ‘). The Belgian goalkeeper saved his family by winning his duel against André Silva in the box (87th). The Belgians lost in the final minutes their captain Eden Hazard to injury (87th). In pain, the Red Devils offered themselves the reigning European champion and qualified for the quarter-finals.

Find the film of the match on our live commentary.

Find the full table of the final phase.