Belgium qualified for the quarter-finals after winning 1-0 over Portugal in the last 16 of Euro 2020 (Euro 2021) at La Cartuja Stadium, Monday (28/6).
Belgium went 1-0 up in the first half through Thorgan Hazard’s shot from outside the box in the 42nd minute after receiving Thomas Meunier’s pass.
Disadvantaged 0-1 to make Portugal re-launched the attack since the beginning of the second half. Selecao das Quinas had a good chance in the 61st minute when Joao Felix tapped in Renato Sanches’ cross.
However, Joao Felix’s header was saved well by Thibaut Courtois.
Successive attacks owned by the defending Euro champion, Portugal. In the 62nd minute, it was Bruno Fernandes’ turn to try to equalize. However, the Manchester United midfielder’s kick was not right on target.
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku just got a goal opportunity in the 63rd minute after receiving Thorgan Hazard’s pass. However, Lukaku failed to add to Belgium’s advantage after his shot did not aim at Rui Patricio’s goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo has the opportunity to add to his goals at Euro 2020 as well as make Portugal equalize.
Unfortunately, Ronaldo’s efforts to break into the Belgium goal with a free kick in the 73rd minute have not succeeded. In the replay, Ronaldo’s free kick actually hit his own partner, Renato Sanches.
Striker Andre Silva, who was played in the second half as a substitute for Diogo Jota, also failed to break the deadlock for Portugal. Silva’s header which received Fernandes’ long pass did not lead to the Belgium goal.
Goalkeeper Courtois made a brilliant save by parrying Andre Silva’s header from Fernandes’ corner in the 82nd minute.
The threat continues to be given by Portugal to the defense of Roberto Martinez’s team. This time through Raphael Guerreiro’s shot in the 83rd minute which still hit the post
Despite continuing to attack Belgium, Portugal still failed to score. At the final whistle, Belgium won 1-0 and advanced to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.
Lineup:
Belgium: Courtois, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Meunier, Tielemans, Witsel, Thorgan Hazard, De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Lukaku.
Portugal: Rui Patricio, Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro, Sanches, Joao Palhinha, Joao Moutinho, Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Jota.
