Thorgan Hazard scored the only goal of the game as Belgium beat Portugal 1-0 to advance to the quarter-final of the UEFA Euro 2020 on Sunday night.
In what was a cagey start to the contest, Belgium found it hard to break down the disciplined Portugal defence, who themselves weren’t able to create much of note in the opening stages, apart from a chance that Diogo Jota spurned. But with half-time looming, the Red Devils found the opening, as Thorgan Hazard unleashed a swerving effort from range that nestled into the back of the net.
Post the half-time break, there weren’t many chances created by either team, although Portugal did turn up the heat in the final stages in search of an equaliser with Ruben Dias seeing a headed effort saved while Raphael Guerreiro struck the upright and Joao Felix also missed the target as Roberto Martinez & co. held on to their narrow lead and eliminated the defending champions of Europe.
The victory means Belgium will now face Italy in yet another tantalising fixture in the quarter-final. As for Portugal, they exit yet another major tournament at the Round of 16. Here are our player ratings for both teams after a closely fought encounter in Seville.
Belgium
Thibaut Courtois: 7/10
Not called upon a great deal but was up to it when needed, making a couple of important saves including the one to Dias late in the game. Commanded his area well, constantly showing up to collect crosses or long balls.
Toby Alderweireld: 7/10
It was anything but easy for Alderweireld on the night, with the likes of Ronaldo, Jota and Guerreiro bearing down on his side. But the experienced defender held it together and made several important blocks and clearances, despite there being one or two iffy moments.
Thomas Vermaelen: 8/10
The best of the defensive trio for Belgium on the night, the former Arsenal captain was in imperious form. Strong positioning throughout, which allowed him to make crucial interventions time and again. Covered well for his teammates, good on the ball and kept things organised.
Jan Vertonghen: 7/10
Solid, much like his defensive partners. Was always at hand to clear the ball and was a strong presence in the air. Dealt well with the late onslaught from the Portuguese.
Thomas Meunier: 7/10
Provided a decent outlet down the right flank although his final ball wasn’t always there. Did get the assist for the goal, however. Solid defensively, too, dealing with the threat of Guerreiro for most of the contest.
Youri Tielemans: 7/10
May not have been able to control or dictate the game as much but did his part effectively to hand Belgium the win. Never shy of putting in the hard yards defensively while also offering composure and quality with the ball at his feet.
Axel Witsel: 6.5/10
Had some troubles containing the lively Renato Sanches but played his role in sealing a clean sheet and the win. Shielded the defence well for the most part and used the ball intelligently when in possession.
Thorgan Hazard: 8/10
? THAT Thorgan Hazard strike = Goal of the Round ??????????@GazpromFootball | #EUROGOTR | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/GUCkcGg7mk
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 27, 2021
The match-winner for Belgium on the night, Thorgan Hazard was switched on from the word-go and offered a lively threat down the left before he found the back of the net with a scorcher of an effort. Showed resilience defensively as well in what was a fine wing-back display from someone who isn’t a natural in the position.
Kevin De Bruyne: 6/10
Looked good in the first period, playing some top-notch passes to open play up. Picked up an injury early after the break and had to be taken off. Will be a concern for Roberto Martinez.
Eden Hazard: 7/10
While he was still not at his best, the Belgium captain put on one of his better performances in quite some time. Showed his quality and control when on the ball, with the Portuguese defence unable to get close to him on occasions. Came off with an injury late on. But a step in the right direction.
No player completed more take-ons (4) or fouled more times (4) than Eden Hazard in #POR vs. #BEL.
No wonder he was forced off through injury. pic.twitter.com/Ds24cEDRoK
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 27, 2021
Romelu Lukaku: 7/10
Not much of a goal threat on the night with Lukaku lacking service for most of the game. But still made himself quite useful with his hold-up play, especially in the buildup to the goal while his link-up was sharp with those around him as well. Was on the receiving end of some rough treatment from the Portuguese defence throughout.
SUBSTITUTES
Dries Mertens: 5/10
On for the injured De Bruyne, wasted a couple of opportunities when Belgium could have capitalised on the break.
Yannick Carrasco: N/A
Late substitute for Hazard.
Leander Dendoncker: N/A
Stoppage time substitute for Thorgan Hazard.
Portugal
Rui Patricio: 5/10
Not called into action all that much on the night, although the veteran goalkeeper should have done better to stop Thorgan Hazard’s strike for the goal.
Diogo Dalot: 6/10
Starting ahead of Nelson Semedo, the Manchester United full-back had a tough time dealing with the Hazard brothers on his side. Did show good intent to try and get forward but the final ball was not always there.
Pepe: 5.5/10
Did well to keep Lukaku quiet with support from his defensive partner. However, seemed to lose his cool as the game wore on. Booked and could have easily been sent off.
Ruben Dias: 5.5/10
Had a solid first half when he hardly let Lukaku get a sniff. However, he was overpowered by the Inter Milan striker in the lead-up to the goal before he ended up firing a header right at Courtois when presented with a chance to equalise. A tournament to forget for the Premier League Player of the Year.
Raphael Guerreiro: 6.5/10
One of the better performers for Portugal on the night, the left-back did well to keep Meunier pinned back in his own half and defended well when called upon. Came agonisingly close to scoring the equaliser, with his late effort hitting the woodwork.
Renato Sanches: 7/10
Continued to enhance his reputation with yet another impressive performance. Made driving runs forward causing some scare within the Belgium camp. Set up a fine chance for Jota early on and continued to pose a threat with his line-breaking runs and dangerous passes. Lacked support on the night.
Renato Sanches' game by numbers vs. #BEL
93% pass accuracy
83 touches
9 passes into the final ⅓
8 ball recoveries
5 passes into the box
5 duels won
3 take-ons completed
2 chances created
2 fouls won
2 crosses
2 shotsMatching the best midfielders in the world again. ? pic.twitter.com/4NOrKmBuMI
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 27, 2021
Joao Palhinha: 6/10
Starting ahead of Danilo Pereira, the midfielder did his job reasonably well, breaking up attacks with strong tackles although did commit a fair bit of fouls one of which led to De Bruyne’s injury.
Joao Moutinho: 5/10
Not always able to match up to the intensity of his opposite numbers, struggled to dictate the tempo as he would have liked. Did help out defensively before being taken off early in the second half.
Bernardo Silva: 4/10
Anonymous throughout his time on the field. Hardly made any noteworthy contributions in attack, offered little intensity off the ball. Subbed off.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 6/10
Tried hard but was left isolated for the most part, with his team not providing him with any major chances. In an attempt to get involved, dropped deep and did create a few chances for his teammates, but that also meant Portugal missed his presence at the top. Left visibly frustrated in what could have been his final Euro appearance.
Cristiano Ronaldo for #POR vs. #BEL:
◉ Most aerials won (5)
◉ Most take-ons completed (4)
◎ Joint-most shots (4)
◎ Joint-most chances created (3)Somebody help him out. pic.twitter.com/gPbcQLWPwg
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 27, 2021
Diogo Jota: 5/10
Missed two fine chances on either side of half-time despite showing some sharp movement in the final third.
SUBSTITUTES
Bruno Fernandes: 6/10
Replaced Bernardo Silva ten minutes into the second half. Added more purpose to the Portuguese attack and created a couple of chances.
Joao Felix: 5/10
On for Moutinho in the 56th minute. Looks a shadow of the player on whom Atletico Madrid slashed over €100 million. Failed to capitalise on a couple of chances to break forward.
Andre Silva: 5/10
Offered a focal point in attack after replacing Jota in the 70th minute. Missed a chance to score, though.
Danilo Pereira: N/A
Replaced Palhinha in the 78th minute.
Sergio Oliveira: N/A
Came on for Sanches with a little over ten minutes left.
