The Group Stage of Euro 2020 has concluded and the round of 16 features incredible matchups. Belgium vs Portugal is arguably the pick of the bunch. as the latter attempts to defend its Euro 2016 title.
These were two of the pre-tournament soccer betting favorites to win it all. Portugal was unlucky to draw a group of Germany, France, and Hungary and finished third. Meanwhile, Belgium dominated Group B with three straight wins. Belgium has a better chance to advance but this should be a hotly contested matchup.
Game: Belgium vs Portugal
Location: Estadio de la Cartuja, Seville, Spain
Time: June 27, 3 p.m. ET
Head to Head
Belgium and Portugal last met in a friendly in 2018 that finished 0-0 and Belgium will be looking for its first win against Portugal since 1989. Portugal leads the all-time series, beating Belgium six times, drawing seven, and losing five.
Belgium Breezed Through Group B
Despite having a few players nursing injuries, Belgium had few problems in the group stage. The Red Devils won all their matches and conceded one goal. Romelu Lukaku is right in the mix for the golden boot, with three goals.
With Kevin de Bruyne healthy and Lukaku scoring left and right, there doesn’t appear to be a limit to what this Belgian team can achieve. However, if Belgium can get through Portugal, a quarterfinal match with Italy could be looming.
In Belgium’s first group stage match it dominated Russia 3-0 behind two Lukaku goals without de Bruyne. De Bruyne’s return in the second half against Denmark led to a goal and assist for the Man City star and a 2-1 win. Belgium left things until the late stages against Finland but managed to score two goals and keep a clean sheet.
Belgium topped Group B with ease without Eden Hazard at his best and de Bruyne and Axel Witsel recovering from injury. Belgium is almost fully fit and has a starting 11 that can beat anyone in the world.
Portugal Has Been Here Before
Five years ago, Portugal finished third in its group with three consecutive draws in the group stage. Portugal went on an unexpected run to win the tournament culminating with an iconic extra-time winner from Eder against France. Now in a similar position after finishing third in Group F, Portugal will have a much more difficult route.
Ronaldo has also emerged as the tournament’s golden boot frontrunner, with five goals. He’s a bit fortunate to have had three penalties opportunities but he’s also scored two in the run of play. With his two penalty conversions in the 2-2 group stage finale vs France, Ronaldo tied the record for the most international goals of all-time, with 109.
Portugal’s back line has been concerning, despite having Premier League player of the year Ruben Dias and the ever-reliable Pepe. The wing backs were exposed in a 4-2 defeat vs Germany. Portugal then followed it up by giving up two goals to France in their 2-2 draw. In the opener vs Hungary, Portugal failed to score until the 84th minute but that goal opened the floodgates as Portugal trounced Hungary 3-0. In short, Portugal is an unpredictable yet unbelievably talented team.
Prediction
Belgium has been in form and I expect that to carry over to this round of 16 matchup. Portugal shook up its midfield against France after a lackluster performance against Germany and it didn’t necessarily have a positive effect. When Portugal plays a double pivot of William Carvalho and Danilo, it has trouble building through the midfield and can lack creativity.
I am interested to see who Fernando Santos decides to start in midfield as he benched Bruno Fernandes and William Carvalho vs France and went with Renato Sanches, Danilo and Joao Moutinho. Either way, this Belgian team is incredibly solid. With Witsel, de Bruyne and Hazard all rounding into form, Belgium has a bunch of weapons. All of Lukaku’s three goals have come from the run of play and he’s a constant threat to score.
Portugal is hard to pin down especially with such a dangerous front three, but I do think Belgium has the edge here.
