Belgium and Portugal couldn’t have a tougher challenge in the EURO 2020 Round of 16. Arguably the biggest candidates for the title clash with the defending champions, who specialize in playing knockout stages. These two sides meet at Cartuja Stadium in Seville in a match that could have major implications on the outcome of the entire tournament. This is going to be one delight for all the football fans across the globe.
Preview
Belgium (+130) didn’t want to have any calculations whatsoever during the group stage. Hats off to Roberto Martinez and his decision to go out with his best team against Finland in the last round. He could have easily left all of the players on the bench, avoiding any risks, but instead wanted to remain honorable until the end.
The Red Devils are one of three teams with nine points in the first stage. They would only allow a goal against Denmark but score at least two in all three events. It is yet another confirmation of their incredible good and potent offense.
De Bruyne and the boys currently didn’t lose in the past 12 games, winning 10 of them and drawing just two. In nine matches during this interval, they needed twice. And just to tell you right away, the opponents were England, Switzerland, Denmark, Wales, Croatia, etc., the top teams on the continent.
Portugal (+230) showed significant weaknesses in the backline, which wasn’t the case before. Furthermore, the defense was Selecao’s biggest strength and something that gave them the edge in the big games.
They score many goals lately, 11 over the past four games, but also concede a lot. We can’t really tell what the reason for that is, but it is evident that the head coach Fernando Santos has certain problems creating good chemistry in front of his own goal. Joao Cancelo‘s absence could be the answer because Ruben Dias doesn’t have his partner from Man City next to him.
The past four games Portugal played saw over 2.5 goals; three of them ended with four or more scores. The fantastic Cristiano Ronaldo scored in each of the opening three group events and currently has five goals at this championship, leading the way on the top goalscoring list.
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All Belgian players are ready for this match, and we expect to see them in the best possible lineup with De Bruyne, Witsel, and Hazard from the kick-off.
Nelson Semedo and Danilo Pereira are questionable for Portugal following their injuries against France.
Head to Head
The latest two games between these sides were friendly internationals. In 2018 there were no goals, while two years before, Portugal defeated Belgium, 2-1.
Prediction
From what we saw in Portugal’s games during the group stage, Selecao has slim chances of jumping over the Red Devils. Once Belgium imposes its own tempo and starts pressuring the rival defense, things will be very, very nasty.
Lukaku and his teammates have the highest offensive potential in the world right now. On the other side, Portugal’s defense is fragile, with so many holes, and that is why we pick Belgium to win.
Here are the betting previews for other EURO 2020 Round of 16 games:
- Italy vs. Austria
- Wales vs. Denmark
- Netherlands vs. Czech Republic
- Croatia vs. Spain
- France vs. Switzerland
- England vs. Germany
- Sweden vs. Ukraine
Nikola Velickovic is a sports journalist who loves to write and read on all sports. Nikola contributes both news updates and functions as a sports breaking news writer at WagerBop.
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Email: nikola@wagerbop.com
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