Euro 2020: Portugal’s title defence ends in Round of 16, Thorgan Hazard fires Belgium into quarters

Portugal’s title defence got here to an finish within the Round of 16 after they suffered 0-1 defeat to Belgium in a cagey affair on the La Cartuja Stadium in Seville, Spain on Sunday. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal appeared the higher facet with extra possibilities however Thorgan Hazard’s rocket first-half strike despatched Belgium into the quarter-finals of Euro 2020.

It was the tip of Cristiano Ronaldo’s gorgeous run at Euro 2020. The Juventus star put apart hypothesis about his membership future to give you an excellent present, netting 5 objectives and going previous Michel Platini’s scoring document on the Euros in his fifth and what might be the ultimate look on the worldwide continental match.Euro 2020: Round of 16 Belgium 1-0 Portugal HighlightsHowever, on Sunday, Cristiano Ronaldo was not in a position to bother Thibaut Courtois who was made to work arduous by Portugal. Portugal had 24 makes an attempt, in comparison with Belgium’s 6. They had 5 photographs on track however weren’t in a position to convert even one.Respect. Romelu Lukaku Cristiano Ronaldo.#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/Q7JcO21WSm— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 27, 2021
Diogo Jota had two possibilities on both facet of the half-time however he was not in a position to convert it. Ruben Dias had the most effective alternative to attain the equaliser within the second half however he headed a Renato Sanches cross straight into Courtois. Raphael Gurreriro hit the woodwork as Portugal did not seal a attract regular time and take it to extra-time.On the opposite hand, Belgium, who have been cautious of not exposing themselves, obtained the lead within the first-half with a shocking strike from Thorgan Hazard.Thorgan Hazard’s gorgeous strikeHazard discovered sufficient area after a swift passing transfer to rifle dwelling from 20 metres and rating in opposition to the run of play within the forty second minute. Thorgan Hazard takes the plaudits after inspiring Belgium to the final 8 @Heineken | #EUROSOTM | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/yT97ERdmUX— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 27, 2021
Yet Belgium’s Kevin De Bruyne, solely lately again from a facial harm, might be a doubt, hobbling off three minutes into the second half after struggling an ankle harm shortly earlier than the break. There have been considerations for captain Eden Hazard in addition to he known as for substitution in direction of the tip of the match after seemingly pulling a muscle.Belgium, who have been sturdy on the again, will face Italy within the quarter-final. Roberto Manicini’s males have been unbeaten of their final 31 video games however the Red Devils can bother them in what is predicted to be a blockbuster final 8 match.