Belgium vs Portugal Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Belgium vs Portugal kick off? Belgium vs Portugal will take place on Sunday 27th June, 2021 at 20:00 (UK)
Where is Belgium vs Portugal being played? Belgium vs Portugal will take place at Estadio Olímpico de Sevilla, Sevilla
Where can I get tickets for Belgium vs Portugal? Click here for the latest ticket information for Belgium vs Portugal
What television channel is Belgium vs Portugal on in the UK? Belgium vs Portugal will be televised live on ITV
Where can I stream Belgium vs Portugal in the UK? This match can be streamed live on the ITV Hub
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All matches: Belgium 5 wins, Portugal 6 wins, 7 draws
Last meeting: Belgium 0-0 Portugal (02/06/18)
THE LOWDOWN
BELGIUM
- Belgium perhaps haven’t fully hit their stride yet despite the fact they won all three of their group games and the general feeling is that there is plenty more in the tank ahead of this crunch clash against fellow European heavyweights Portugal.
- Getting Kevin De Bruyne back to full fitness has been crucial to their hopes of going all the way but Roberto Martinez has yet to get the best out of Eden Hazard at EURO 2020, and it remains to be seen whether the former Chelsea man has done enough to feature here.
- There are no such concerns over Romelu Lukaku’s form, who continues to find the net with unerring regularity and his battle with Portuguese centre-back Ruben Dias is sure to be a fierce one.
PORTUGAL
- Much like they did in 2016 when they went on to become European champions, Portugal scraped through the group stage as one of the best third-placed teams but they did so in an incredibly competitive group.
- They largely have Cristiano Ronaldo to thank for their progression with their talisman having scored five goals so far on his way to breaking several international goalscoring records and he will once again be looking to make his mark on this match.
- Roberto Martinez has a decision to make regarding whether or not to bring Bruno Fernandes back into the fold but Renato Sanches delivered a strong performance last time out against France and he could well keep his place over the Manchester Utd star.
THE TEAM NEWS
BELGIUM
PREDICTED XI (3-4-3): Courtois; Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen; Meunier, De Bruyne, Witsel, T. Hazard; Carrasco, Lukaku, E. Hazard
UNAVAILABLE: Castagne (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
PORTUGAL
PREDICTED XI (4-3-3): Rui Patricio; Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Pepe, Guerreiro; Palhinha, Renato Sanches, Joao Moutinho; Bernardo Silva, Ronaldo, Diogo Jota
UNAVAILABLE:
QUESTIONABLE: Nuno Mendes (Injured), Joao Felix (Injured)
THE KEY STATS
- Belgium have scored two goals or more in five of their last seven EURO final tournament matches – Belgium over 1.5 goals
- Romelu Lukaku has scored a total of 40 goals in his last 36 matches for Belgium – Romelu Lukaku to score anytime
- Portugal are unbeaten in their last five international matches against Belgium (W3 D2) – Portugal draw no bet
- Portugal have not failed to score in their last eight EURO final tournament matches – Portugal to score
- Portugal have scored the first goal in each of their last five EURO final tournament matches – Portugal to score the first goal
THE PREDICTION
This looks a difficult one to call with both sides boasting plenty of talent in their roster but you would have to say that Belgium have been the more impressive outfit so far, having won all three of their group games. They have looked defensively suspect at times though, and you could say the same about Portugal, who have conceded more goals so far than any of the other teams who have made it to the round of 16. They will always believe they have a chance with Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch though, and with the likes of Romelu Lukaku in good form for Belgium and a fit-again Kevin De Bruyne pulling the strings behind him, this contest has all the makings of an entertaining spectacle with both teams finding the net.
Tip: BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE
For fixtures, results, TV schedule, top scorers and plenty more, visit our tournament home page here!
