Belgium
Portugal
Portugal
Standout Round of 16 clash between Belgium and Portugal sees world class stars all over the pitch
Belgium to win 2-1
This is arguably the closest game to call at the tournament so far, with both Belgium and Portugal possessing world class stars wherever you look.
Belgium have underachieved at major tournaments over the years, with this only their third Euros since 1984, only reaching the Quarter Finals once since then.
In Lukaku, de Bruyne, Hazard and co. they have several of the world’s best attackers, but can they finally combine to greatness at this summer’s championships?
Similarly, Portugal are a nation with world class players, and of course are the reigning champions from five years ago. In Ronaldo, they have the ultimate goalscorer, and the current topscorer at the tournament so far.
The winner from this hotly contested game will likely face Italy in the Quarter Finals, who face Austria in their Round of 16 tie.
World Ranking: 1
Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Runners-up, 1980
Reasons to be cheerful:
Have looked comfortable in their three wins so far
So many options in all forward positions to choose from
Reasons to be fearful:
Have often failed on the big occasions
Without victory against Portugal since 1989
With every major tournament, there is the expectation that Belgium will finally ‘come good’ and deliver upon their potential.
This has certainly been a golden generation for them in terms of the quality of players within their squad, but the opportunity to make the most of that is passing them by.
Up front, they have an embarrassment of riches, with Lukaku, Hazard, De Bruyne, Martens and Carrasco all capable of scoring goals in big games.
They are strong at the back too, with a strong mixture of youth and experience ensuring that they’ve only conceded one goal so far.
They will feel confident that if they can keep Ronaldo quiet, they have a great chance of progressing to the Quarter Finals.
Star Man – Romelu Lukaku
The big striker is a guaranteed goalscorer when given the right service. He thrives on pressure.
World Ranking: 5
Best Historical Finish at the Euros: Winners, 2016
Reasons to be cheerful:
With Ronaldo, they always have a chance
Three wins and two draws from their last five meetings with Belgium
Reasons to be fearful:
Have conceded six goals so far
One or two fitness and injury concerns
Portugal squeezed through the ‘Group of Death’ in third place, after winning just one of their games, against the lowest ranked team Hungary in their opening game.
A heavy defeat to Germany was followed by a draw to France, and there’s no doubt they have heavily relied on Ronaldo so far, scoring five of their seven goals.
They have also conceded six, five more than their opponents here, and it remains to be seen how they fare when they come up against another top side, having failed to beat either Germany or France in their group.
History would tell you not to write them off, having won the tournament five years ago having struggled in the group stage.
The is a huge game for them, however.
Star Man – Cristiano Ronaldo
Who else? Scores almost all of their goals, starts and finishes their counterattacks and leads the team forward. If he doesn’t play well, Portugal are out.
Belgium should just shade possession
Should be goals at both ends
Belgian’s better defence could be decisive
In this standout clash, there is little to choose between the two sides.
In Ronaldo, Portugal have a player who can win any game for them in a flash, but they concede too many goals and are facing an in-form opponent here.
Belgium have a better team than their opponents, sprinkled with top class stars. They have players who can win the game all over the pitch but must play to their potential to win.
Belgium to win 2-1
