One of the most anticipated Round of 16 matches at EURO 2020 will see Belgium take on Portugal for a spot in the quarterfinals. These are two of the best teams in the world, yet they will meet at this stage after the Portuguese finished third in the Group of Death. It’s a brutal draw for a Belgium team whose Golden Generation is looking to win the country its first major championship, and Portugal can’t be happy that their path towards defending their title runs through Belgium and likely Italy in their next match.
Don't miss a second of EURO 2020. This match will be held at La Cartuja in Seville, Spain at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 27, 2021. Catch every moment of the match live on ABC.
UEFA EURO 2020 Odds at BookMaker.eu
Belgium +149
Portugal +213
Draw +221
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Odds Analysis
Belgium was one of the top teams in the Group Stage. They won all three of their matches, and they surrendered just one goal. Romelu Lukaku was fantastic with three of the country’s seven goals, and Kevin De Bruyne was superb when he returned to the pitch.
This is one of the most dangerous attacks in the world. De Bruyne might be the best attacking midfielder in the world at the moment, and his vision and ability to set up his teammates gives Belgium a leg up on their opponents. Lukaku is a superb No. 9 that has proven he can finish his chances and Dries Mertens is capable of moments of brilliance.
The X-Factor for this team is Eden Hazard. Hazard was once heralded as an elite midfielder/forward that could be brilliant in either role, but he is no longer a lock to make the starting XI. His start against Finland in the last Group Stage game was his first of the tournament, and it’s rare we see him play 90 minutes for the national team. If Hazard can rediscover the form that made him a star at Chelsea though, Belgium might just be ready for glory.
Few players in the history of soccer have covered themselves with more glory than Cristiano Ronaldo. The greatest player in Portuguese history continues to play at a high level and currently leads the tournament with five goals. He has now scored 109 goals for Portugal in his long career, and he is the first player to take the pitch in five different European Championships.
A closer look at Ronaldo’s goals is warranted though. Three of those five goals have come from penalty kicks, and his second goal against Hungary was a gift. This attack has been disjointed for long stretches of matches, as Diogo Jota, Joao Moutinho, and others sometimes have a hard time adapting their games around CR7.
Matchup to Watch
There’s plenty of reason to be skeptical about Portugal’s chances to defend its 2016 European Championship. The back line has not looked sharp at this competition, and we saw Germany run riot in their second match. Pepe has looked slow and may have lost a step, and Ruben Dias doesn’t appear to be ready to lead from the back.
Kevin De Bruyne has the potential to pick apart this back line. His precision passes might find holes in Portugal’s defense, and Romelu Lukaku can take full advantage.
Free EURO 2020 Betting Pick
We expected to see these teams meet in the semifinals of Euro 2016. Portugal took care of their part, but Belgium were shocked by Wales after flattening Hungary in the Round of 16. The Portuguese will be game and Ronaldo might get a goal, but De Bruyne and Lukaku will be too much for this back line.
EURO 2020 Odds: Belgium 3, Portugal 1
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