Defending champions Portugal dethroned by battling Belgium
- Johnnie Victoria
- 28 June 2021
Belgium and Portugal put on a show of excellence as both sides attacked each other in their bid for survival in the competition. Ultimately, the Red Devils prevailed.
Portugal's European Championship defence came to a halt as Belgium beat them 1-0 in a tightly contested affair on Sunday.
But it was never going to stay that way as the game opened up.
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Portugal's main man Cristiano Ronaldo provided the first real opportunity with a free-kick that forced Thibaut Courtois into a fine save.
However, it was Belgium's Thorgan Hazard who broke the deadlock shortly before the half-time whistle. The younger brother of Eden set himself for a stunning 20-yard strike that swerved its way past Rui Patricio.
Early in the second half, Belgium suffered a setback as Kevin De Bruyne went down with an injury and had to be replaced.
Tempers flared and cards were shown as Portugal cranked up the pressure and the last 10 minutes saw Belgium with their backs to the wall.
Raphael Guerreiro hit the post, while Ruben Dias headed a good chance straight at Courtois but Belgium hung on.
For the full report, check out our sister site Football365.
Stat of the day
4 - Thorgan Hazard has netted in consecutive games for Belgium for the first time; he has scored four goals for Belgium since his brother Eden last scored for the national team. Supremacy. #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/uJkZJjsrui
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 27, 2021
What's next for Belgium?
Belgium will now face Italy in the quarter-finals on Friday, July 2 at 20:00 BST in Munich.
A win there will see them play either France, Switzerland, Croatia or Spain in the semi-finals.
