Belgium knock out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal after Thorgan Hazard wonder goal

Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal have been knocked out of Euro 2020 following their 1-0 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16 in Seville. Thorgan Hazard’s rocket strike in the first half was the only thing that separated the two sides as the defending champions have exited the tournament in the first knockout round.

Portugal revamped their midfield for this encounter with the largely ineffective Bruno Fernandes relegated to the bench and it was a cagey affair in the first 45-minutes, with neither side creating any genuine shots on goal. 

Belgium eventually broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time thanks to a thundering strike from left wing-back Thorgan Hazard. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder picked up the ball on the edge of the box before unleashing a ferocious shot that swerved in the air and deceived Rui Patricio to find the back of the net. The movement in the air wrong-footed the Portuguese goalkeeper who perhaps should have done better with the effort.

It was a tense affair in the second half, with plenty of challenges flying in from both sides. Unfortunately for Belgium, their playmaker Kevin de Bruyne hobbled off with an ankle injury just after the break which prompted Roberto Martinez’s side to sit deeper and play on the counter-attack.

Portugal had most of the possession in the second half but were unable to create many clear-cut chances to level the scores. Ruben Dias was left unmarked from a corner but his header was aimed straight into the hands of Thibaut Courtois while Raphael Guerreiro hit the post with a low shot from the edge of the box. However, other than that, Portugal’s chances mainly consisted of speculative shots from distance and mishit crosses that failed to find their target. 

The veteran back three of Alderweireld, Vermaelen and Vertonghen produced an inspiring defensive performance that completely neutralised Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota and Joao Felix. 

Following their victory in Euro 2016, it was a disappointing campaign for the defending champions considering the talent in their squad. Portugal only won 1 of their 4 games throughout the tournament and were extremely shaky defensively while also lacking ideas to break teams down from an attacking point of view.

Belgium, on the other hand, have now won their fourth game in a row in the tournament and have progressed to the quarter-finals where they will face Italy – who knocked out Austria after extra time. The main question mark for Roberto Martinez ahead of that fascinating encounter will be the fitness of his two-star players – Eden Hazard (hamstring) and Kevin De Bruyne (ankle) – who both limped off against Portugal with injuries.