Belgium takes on Portugal in the round of 16 of the European Championships on Sunday night.
Venue: La Cartuja Stadium
Key Statistics
Belgium have won their last 13 matches (European Championship).
Belgium have scored at least 2 goals in their last 13 matches (European Championship).
Portugal are undefeated in 23 of their last 25 matches (European Championship).
Head to Head
Portugal 6 wins; 7 draws; Belgium 5 wins; Portugal scored 21 goals against 22 scored by Belgium.(in total of 18 matches)
Latest Performances
Belgium: WDWWWW (Goals for 17, Goals against 2)
Portugal: WDWWLD (Goals for 14, Goals against 7)
Belgium
It has been an impressive group stages for the Belgians so far, and they have managed to win all of their matches.
Roberto Martinez’s side will be full of confidence, and they will fancy their chances against the defending champions Portugal.
Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has returned to action following his injury, and he has been outstanding for his country in the last two matches.
Belgium have failed to beat Portugal in their last six matches, and they will be looking to fix that record here.
Possible Belgium starting line-ups
Thibaut Courtois; Toby Alderweireld, Jason Denayer, Jan Vertonghen; Thomas Meunier, Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel, T. Hazard; Dries Mertens, Romelu Lukaku, E. Hazard
Unavailable: Castagne (face), Chadli (illness)
Misses next match if booked: T. Hazard
We are motivated and focused. This is what we do it for. I feel a lot of excitement and energy in the group. Portugal are a team that adapts quickly to circumstances. Whether it is an open or closed match depends on what happens. Will there be an early goal?
Roberto Martínez, Belgium
Portugal
The defending champions have managed to qualify for the knockouts despite finishing third in their group. They will have to perform at a higher level to go through to the next round of the competition.
Belgium are one of the best teams in the competition, and the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne are in breathtaking form.
Cristiano Ronaldo has managed to guide his side into the knockouts, and it will be interesting to see if the Juventus superstar can take them to the last eight as well.
The 36-year-old is currently the top scorer in the European Championships with five goals in three matches.
Possible Portugal starting line-ups
Rui Patrício; Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Pepe, Raphael Guerreiro; Joao Palhinha, Renato Sanches, Joao Moutinho; Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota
Misses next match if booked: Ruben Dias
Belgium score goals and rarely struggle. There have some players who are more influential, but Belgium will not man-mark and nor will we. These sides are a similar class. It’s a final; it’s for winning, not for playing. We know we will have good opponents. I believe, hope and am convinced that we will be better.
Fernando Santos, Portugal
Probability
Belgium : Draw : Portugal :: 39% : 30% : 31% (in 90 minutes)
Prediction
Belgium are undoubtedly the better team on paper, but they have a habit of underperforming in the big stage. It will be interesting to see if Martinez can get his players to step up and get the job done here.
Portugal are seasoned opposition with Cristiano Ronaldo leading them. The Portuguese superstar can win matches all on his own, and he has a knack for delivering in the biggest games.
This will be a close game, but Belgium have too much quality to end up losing here.
Belgium 2-2 Portugal (90 minutes)
