Photo: Todayuknews
PREVIEW Belgium vs Portugal - Photo: Todayuknews

Belgium and Portugal face off on Sunday evening in one of the most anticipated Euro 2020 last-16 ties.

The world’s top-ranked side looked worthy of that title during a perfect group stage run, with Romelu Lukaku in fine fettle with three goals.

The Portuguese have looked equally potent in attack, with Cristiano Ronaldo boasting five goals and an assist after three games, but worrisome at the back.

Belgium vs Portugal: Date, kick-off time and venue

Belgium vs Portugal is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off on Sunday, June 27, 2021.

The match will be held in Seville.

How to watch Belgium vs Portugal

TV channel: The match will be televised on ITV for free.

Live stream: UK viewers will be able to watch the match online via the ITV Hub.

Belgium vs Portugal: Team News

*Dedryck Boyata and Jason Denayer are in competition to complete Belgium's back three on Sunday.

*Dries Mertens faces being benched against the Netherlands unless Axel Witsel is not fit to start and Kevin De Bruyne is required in a deeper role.

*Thorgan Hazard and Yannick Carrasco are in competition to start at left wing-back.

*Fernando Santos made the bold call to bench Bruno Fernandes against France on Wednesday and you have to say it worked out for them. The Manchester United star faces a limited role again here.

*Danilo Pereira will need assessing after taking a heavy blow to the face against France. Joao Moutinho and Renato Sanches look to have done enough to keep their places in the team on Sunday.

*Nelson Semedo came off injured against France and is now a massive doubt. With Joao Cancelo forced out before the tournament with COVID and Ricardo Pereira not fit enough to make the squad, Diogo Dalot could sensationally start for Portugal.

*Kevin De Bruyne looks back up to full fitness after plenty of minutes since the tournament started, and should also be joined by Axel Witsel in midfield.

*Thomas Meunier will hope to keep his place, while Thorgan Hazard is fit again.

*Renato Sanches was one of the best performers against France and should retain his starting spot, though William Carvalho is also pushing.

*Ronaldo will be looking to score his 110th international goal, the most by any player in history.

Belgium vs Portugal: Predicted Lineups

Belgium XI: Courtois; Alderweireld, Denayer, Vertonghen; Meunier, Tielemans, Witsel, T. Hazard; Mertens, Lukaku, E. Hazard

Portugal XI: Rui Patrício; Semedo, Dias, Pepe, Guerreiro; Palhinha, Sanches, Moutinho; Bernardo, Ronaldo, Jota

Belgium vs Portugal: Match 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.

As reported by WagerB 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.

Belgium vs Portugal: Predictions

*Belgium won all three of their group matches, only looking below par in one half against Denmark.

*Portugal drew 2-2 with France on Wednesday and finished third in Group F after Germany drew 2-2 with Hungary.

*Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku take their Serie A rivalry to Euro 2020 with both gunning for the Golden Boot award. Ronaldo currently has a two-goal lead.

*Portugal are unbeaten in the last five meetings between the two nations (W3,D2) and it's hard to go against Ronaldo.

This tie could really go either way, but we should be treated with goals.

Roberto Martinez looks to prefer a more cautious approach despite his embarrassment of riches, and face a Portugal side who have already shipped six goals.

Will Belgium take off the shackles? They will be concerned about the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota but could be wise to do so.

Belgium 3-2 Portugal

Belgium vs Portugal: Betting tips and odds

Over 2.5 Goals

Four of the last six meetings between these two countries have seen over 2.5 goals scored. despite the last encounter between Belgium and Portugal ending goalless, we're convinced that this last 16 tie will be action-packed. Belgium scored 7-goals during the group stage and over 2.5 goals have been scored in three of their last six international matches, while five of Portugal's last six outings have witnessed at least three goals being scored.

BTTS

Four of the last seven head-to-heads between the pair have ended with both teams getting on the scoreboard, and we're backing goals in this game at both ends of the pitch. Belgium have scored at least one goal in each of their last six international matches, putting eight past Belarus in March. Both teams have scored in three of Portugal's last six outings, including their last two group games against France and Germany.

Belgium to Win

Belgium might not have the best of recent records against Portugal but we're backing Roberto Martinez's side to just do enough to edge their way past Portugal on Sunday. Belgium have won five of their last six matches in all competitions, including all three of their group games without Hazard and De Bruyne for the majority of those minutes. Portugal showed their vulnerable side against Germany and also failed to beat France, which suggests that they often struggle against the big teams.

READ MORE:Watch Live Belgium vs Portugal in Malaysia and Singapore for FREE

Head to head (h2h) history and results

Belgium wins: 5

Draws: 7

Portugal wins: 6

Betting odds and tips

Belgium to win: 22/31

Portugal to win: 11/10

Belgium vs Portugal: Match Facts

Belgium have won their last 13 matches (European Championship).

Belgium have scored at least 2 goals in their last 13 matches (European Championship).

Portugal are undefeated in 23 of their last 25 matches (European Championship).

There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 8 of Portugal's last 9 games (European Championship).

Portugal have scored at least 2 goals in 8 of their last 9 matches (European Championship).

Portugal are undefeated in their last 6 matches against Belgium in all competitions.

Belgium the favourites but Portugal are the holders

Lukaku scored 3-goals as Belgium won all three of their matches in Group B and the Inter Milan hitman will be looking to steal the show against the tournament's top scorer, Ronaldo. Belgium managed to get Hazard, De Bruyne and Witsel plenty of game time in their final match against Finland and now the Red Devils are approaching full-strength and full match fitness, their confidence levels are bound to be improving as well.

Portugal have played a very attacking style of play in the defence of their European Championship, a style that has produced plenty of goals for Ronaldo but has coast them in defence against the bigger nations. Following their 3-0 win over Hungary, Portugal were brought back down to earth with a bang against Germany, losing 4-2, and then played out a 2-2 draw with France. Belgium possess just as good of an attacking threat as the French, possibly better, and it will be interesting to see just how the Portuguese cope with it, according to Football Whisper.

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