TOPSHOT – Belgium’s defender Jan Vertonghen (L) and Belgium’s forward Dries Mertens celebrate their victory at the end of the UEFA EURO 2020 round of 16 football match between Belgium and Portugal at La Cartuja Stadium in Seville on June 27, 2021. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / POOL / AFP) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
A wondergoal the only thing that separated Belgium and Portugal
Belgium are through to the quarterfinal of Euro 2020 thanks to a Thorgan Hazard strike in the 43rd minute of the first half.
It was the only goal in what turned out to be a rather dull game despite the number of world class players on both sides.
Both teams looked rather meek going forward despite Portugal finishing the game with 23 shots, including four on target. Belgium, on the other hand, had a total of six shots with only one on target.
But the Belgians took full advantage of their lone shot on target by Hazard which ended up in the back of the net.
“In these kinds of games you have to grab your chances with both hands,” said Hazard. “The goalkeeper expected me to choose the other corner, so the ball went in.”
Source: ESPN
The game did open up towards the end of the second half with Portugal needing an equalizer thus opening up the pitch a bit more. Belgium had a couple of occasions to hit Portugal on the break. An errant pass or a hopeful shot fizzled out their counterattack.
Romelu Lukaku was left frustrated throughout the game due to a lack of service or help. He found himself isolated with the ball a few times, unable to play off a teammate or hold the ball long enough for someone to make themselves available.
Still, manager Roberto Martinez is unlikely to be too upset with his team’s performance as they did get through to the next round.
“It wasn’t just about how good we could be, it was about how we could adapt to what Portugal do the best, which is do exactly what they need to do to win,” Martinez said. That is why they are the current champions and winners of Nations League.
“They have incredible experience and know how to take those moments to hurt you. We had incredible concentration and defended really well. We scored a very good goal.”
Source: Yahoo Sports
Martinez lauded his team’s defensive discipline considering Portugal went for it needing a goal. He is well aware of the talent his team possesses but recognized that good teams also need to find a way to win games such as these.
They did well to contain Cristiano Ronaldo as well as cutting off any service from the Portuguese midfield.
The only down side from the Belgium perspective is the injury to Kevin De Bruyne who had to be subbed off early in the second half.
Belgium are going to need some of that resolve as their next opponent is Italy who needed extra time to get past Austria.
