Belgium is known for their attacking prowess, however, they were uncharacteristically held to just one shot on target in their match against Portugal. Credit to a stout Portuguese defense and tactics, however, unfortunately for the defending European Champions, Belgium’s one shot on goal ended up in the back of the net. A thunderous strike from Thorgan Hazard was the difference in this match.
Belgium advances to face Italy in the quarterfinals of the Euro 2020. Two key players for Belgium, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard were forced to leave the pitch due to injury in the second half of their match versus Portugal.
The Belgian side usually relies on the trio of De Bruyne, Hazard and Romelu Lukaku to win games, however, on this occasion the defensive trio of Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelen and Toby Alderweireld were most impactful in the victory. The three defenders have a combined age of 101. The experienced defenders controlled Cristiano Ronaldo and other Portuguese stars on their side’s way to victory.
Hazard’s goal came against the run of play as Belgium had hardly worried Portugal with attacking chances. Then Hazard received the ball and hit a swerving shot that left Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patricio no chance. This was just one of the six shots Belgium produced, while Portugal produced 23.
“In these kinds of games, you have to grab your chances with both hands,” Hazard said. “The goalkeeper expected me to choose the other corner, so the ball went in.”
A Ruben Dias header saved by Thibaut Courtois and a Raphael Guerreiro strike off the post exemplified a lack of luck for the Portuguese side in this match.
“I didn’t have a lot of work to do in the previous three games, but I knew that wasn’t going to be the case against Portugal,” Courtois said. “I am proud of my teammates — they defended very well.”
Belgium’s ability to adapt to get the desired result was impressive and may be necessary for the later stages of the competition pending the seriousness of certain players’ injuries such as De Bruyne. De Bruyne returned at full time but his discomfort was evident as multiple teammates rushed to his side during celebrations to see how he was doing.
At the final whistle, Ronaldo threw his captain’s armband to the ground and kicked it. The frustration about the result was evident.
A clash of titans in the quarterfinals between Belgium and Italy will be a must-watch match for soccer fans around the world.
