Belgium is in the quarter-finals of the European Football Championship for the second time in a row. Against the reigning European champion Portugal, the Belgians won 1:0 (1: 0). Thorgan Hazard scored the winning goal just before the break (42nd minute). In the quarter-finals, Belgium will face Italy next Friday.
Both teams were in the nominally top-class round of 16 of this tournament from the beginning on ball control and defensive stability. Accordingly, the spectators in Seville initially got to see only a few playful highlights. A free kick from Cristiano Ronaldo from just under 25 meters provided for the first time serious goal danger. Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois let the hard-hit ball bounce to the side (25.).
When most probably already expected a goalless first half, BVB professional Hazard came almost 20 meters before the goal to the ball, went two or three steps and then overcame Rui Patrício with a strong shot, which got in the air again a right twist.
Shortly after the restart, Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne had to be replaced injured (48.). Almost ten minutes later, the Portuguese came to their best chance to date. After Ronaldo’s work Diogo Jota missed the equalizer from ten meters. On the other side Romelu Lukaku put a shot from the edge of the box just over the goal (63.).
After hard fouls on both sides, it was still emotional on the pitch in the last quarter of an hour.
Portugal’s final offensive came late, but it came. After a corner Rúben Dias headed from short distance to zentral on goal (82.), then Raphaël Guerreiro hit the post from distance (83.). Just before the end Courtois saved again against André Silva (88).
