Belgium and Portugal will clash at Estadio de La Cartuja on Sunday, June 27, in their opening bout of EURO 2020 knockout stage. It will mark the first meeting between these two sides since 2018 when the match ended in a 0-0 stalemate. The Red Devils haven’t beaten Portugal once across their last five meetings, dating back to 1989, and they’ll surely want to break that streak tonight.
Belgium vs Portugal
When: Sunday, June 27 – 21:00 CEST
Where: Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, Spain
Weather: Sunny, 28°C
Referee: Felix Brych (GER)
Before EURO 2020 kicked off, Belgium were priced as the second-favourites to win the tournament. They’re now sixth-favourites, behind Spain, Germany, England, Italy and France. The reason isn’t that Belgium have been disappointing. On the contrary, they’ve been fabulous so far!
The main reason why Belgium’s chances to hoist the trophy have decreased is that they’re squaring off with the reigning European champions in the Round of 16. Getting past Portugal isn’t going to be easy, although Belgium is favoured to win. So, can they do it? Let’s find out!
Belgium Looking for Their First Win Against Portugal Since 1989
September 6, 1989 – that’s when Belgium last celebrated a victory over Portugal. Since then, they lost three and forced two draws. Their most recent meeting ended in a 0-0 stalemate in a friendly game played three years ago.
Despite their lack of success against Portugal, the Red Devils are priced as the favorites to secure the W tonight. Pinnacle has them priced at around 2.50 to get the job done within 90 minutes.
That isn’t too shocking, considering Roberto Martinez has some excellent players at his disposal, including Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Eden Hazard. The Red Devils have also been in superb form at EURO 2020, having won all of their group games with a goal difference of 7-1.
However, they still haven’t played against such a strong opponent as Portugal.
Ronaldo and Co. Determined to Keep Their EURO Crown
Portugal won this tournament five years ago and have no intention of letting go of it. In 2016, they had an excellent squad, but now they seem even stronger. Even though their best player Cristiano Ronaldo is already 36, he’s been nothing short of brilliant at the EURO 2020.
CR7 is the top scorer of the tournament with five goals to his name. Two of those were penalties, but even without those, he’d still be at the top of the list.
And it’s not just about scoring – Ronaldo has also recorded an assist, not to mention that he was an absolute annoyance to the opposition defence in all of Portugal’s previous three games. The best thing about Portugal is that they’re far from being a one-man team. As a reminder, they won the EURO 2016 even though Ronaldo got injured early on in the final.
The offence clearly isn’t Portugal’s concern, but what has to worry them is their defence. They haven’t looked very good at the back, seeing how they have conceded six goals across their last two outings – Including four against Germany.
In regards to team news, Nelson Semedo is expected to come back from an injury, while Danilo Pereiraalso is will likely get a role in the midfield to try and challenge Belgium’s superstars in the centre of the pitch.
Belgium vs Portugal Betting Picks
It’s going to be a close and exciting affair, no doubt about that. However, the player quality is on the side of the Red Devils, who should edge out a win within 90 minutes.
Pick: Belgium -0.50 Asian Handicap (same as Belgium to win) – 2.56 SBO
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