Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal is out of the Euros without reaching the quarter-final for the first time while Belgium advances to the quarterfinals.
The winner of heavyweight game between the World’s number 1 team Belgium and former champions Portugal has been decided. Belgium came out top defeating Portugal by 1-0.
Belgium started with having possession for most of the starting minutes. Portugal’s Diego Jota made the first attempt in the 5th minute. Renato Sanches made a solid through ball exposing Belgium’s defense. The chance was eventually missed by Jota.
On the other half, Hazard had a chance after having a one-touch pass with Lukaku.
In the 23rd minute, Ronaldo had his first good attempt with a freekick which was brilliantly saved by Courtious. The first goal of the game came in the 41st minute by Belgium’s Thorgan Hazard. The goal was the deciding factor on who advances to the quarter-finals.
Early in the second half, Kevin De Bruyne got injured and was substituted. Portugal made a brilliant effort in the second half to get the equalizer. In the 60th min, Joao Felix made a header to the top right corner. Belgium’s wall stepped up and made that save.
Later in the 80th minute, Ruben Dias made another header which was again denied by Courtious.
In the 83rd minute, Guerriero shot the ball which hit the far post and got unlucky.
What’s next for Belgium and Portugal?
In the end, Belgium stood out to be victorious against the defending Champion. They will face Italy in the quarters while Ronaldo’s side Portugal is going home.
Getting knocked out by Belgium in Round of 16 means, it is the first time in Portugal’s history that they have failed to reach the quarter-finals of Euros.
Other teams that have qualified are Italy, Czech Republic and Denmark. Denmark thrashed Wales by 4-0.
Czech Republic beat Netherland and Italy beat Austria by 2-1.
What about Ronaldo?
The loss with Belgium means this may be the last Euro cup game of Ronaldo along with his fellow countrymen Pepe who are 36 and 38 years old respectively.
Goodbye to Legends.
And again Congratulation Belgium.