Santos opts for two changes from the draw against France. Semedo drops to the bench, meaning Dalot makes his first start of the tournament at right-back. The other alteration sees Palhinha, who impressed against Les Bleus, replace Danilo in the middle of the park to partner Moutinho and Sanches. Importantly, Portugal once again leave Fernandes on the bench as the midfielder has failed to recreate his club form on the international stage.
After resting numerous stars against Finland, Roberto Martinez makes five changes to his last starting line-up. The experience of Alderweireld and Vertonghen join Vermaelen in a three-man defence as the pair replace Boyata and Denayer. On either flank, Meunier and Thorgan Hazard come in for Nacer Chadli and Trossard. Further forward, Doku misses out for Tielemans, meaning De Bruyne will push into a more advanced role for the Belgians.
SUBS: Rui Silva, Andre Silva, Ruben Neves, Danilo Pereira, Jose Fonte, Nuno Mendes, Pote, Nelson Semedo, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, Sergio Oliveira, Anthony Lopes.
PORTUGAL (4-3-3): Rui Patricio; Diogo Dalot, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Raphael Guerreiro; Renato Sanches, Joao Palhinha, Joao Moutinho; Diogo Jota, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva.
SUBS: Michy Batshuayi, Leander Dendoncker, Yannick Carrasco, Jeremy Doku, Christian Benetze, Dennis Praet, Jason Denayer, Matz Sels, Dries Mertens, Leandro Trossard, Simon Mignolet, Dedryck Boyata.
BELGIUM (3-4-2-1): Thibaut Courtois; Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld; Thorgan Hazard, Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Thomas Meunier; Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne; Romelu Lukaku.
After a chaotic final matchday, Portugal ultimately secured a third-place finish in Group F, courtesy of a 2-2 draw with France. Fernando Santos’ team started well by putting three past Hungary but, with the aforementioned draw against Les Bleus and a 4-0 thrashing by Germany, Portugal’s form has spiralled downwards slightly. They do, however, have European Championship history, having triumphed most recently in 2016, while making it to the semi-finals in both 2000 and 2012 alongside a runners-up spot at Euro 2004.
Belgium coasted to this stage of the tournament, dispatching of Russia, Denmark and Finland to top Group B. The world’s number-one ranked team finished third at the 2016 World Cup, however, they haven’t advanced past the European Championship quarter-finals since finishing as runners-up in 1980. Despite topping their group, Belgium face the tricky proposition of Portugal in Seville today.
Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Euro 2020 last-16 clash between Belgium and Portugal.
This will be the first ever major tournament meeting (World Cup/Euros) between Belgium and Portugal; Santos’ side are unbeaten in their last five matches against the Red Devils across all competitions (W3 D2) since a 3-0 defeat in World Cup qualifying way back in September 1989.