Portugal’s title defense ended in the round of 16 after losing 0-1 to Belgium at the La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, Spain on Sunday. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal looked to be on the better side with more opportunities, but Thoran Hazard’s rocket first-half strike sent Belgium into the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.
It was the end of Cristiano Ronaldo’s brilliant run at Euro 2020. The Juventus star ended speculation about his club’s future with a spectacular show, scoring 5 goals and surpassing Michel Platini’s scoring record in his 5th Euro and what could be his final appearance in the international continental tournament. Ho.
Euro 2020: Round of 16 Belgium 1-0 Portugal Highlights
However, on Sunday, Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to trouble Thibaut Courtois, who was forced to work harder by Portugal. Portugal had 24 attempts, compared to Belgium’s 6. He made 5 shots on the target but could not score a single goal.
to respect. Romelu Lukaku Cristiano Ronaldo.#euro2020 pic.twitter.com/Q7JcO21WSm
— UEFA Euro 2020 (@Euro2020) June 27, 2021
Diogo Jota had two chances on either side of half time but he could not convert them. Rubén Dias had the best chance to equalize in the second half, but he passed Renato Sanches straight into Courtois. Rafael Guerreiro hit the woodwork as Portugal failed to seal the draw in normal time and move it into extra time.
On the other hand, Belgium, who were careful not to expose themselves, took the lead in the first half with a brilliant strike from Thoran Hazard.
Thorgan Hazard strike
Hazard found enough room against the run-of-play in the 42nd minute after moving quickly towards rifle home from 20 meters and scoring.
Thorgan Hazard praises Belgium after reaching last 8 @Heineken | #eurosotum | #euro2020 pic.twitter.com/yT97ERdmUX
— UEFA Euro 2020 (@Euro2020) June 27, 2021
Yet Belgium’s Kevin de Bruyne, who recently came back from a face injury, could be a suspect, stalling three minutes into the second half after suffering an ankle injury shortly before the break. There were concerns for captain Eden Hazard as well as he called for a replacement after a hamstring strain at the end of the match.
Belgium, who were stronger from behind, will face Italy in the quarter-finals. Roberto Mancini’s men have been unbeaten in their last 31 matches, but the Red Devils can trouble them in what is expected to be a blockbuster in their last 8 matches.