You cant do much better for a Round of 16 match than the No. 1-ranked team in the world (Belgium) against the defending champions (Portugal). And if you consider the collection of world-cla s talent on both sides, it really sets up to be a cla sic high-stakes encounter: Elimination at the Round of 16 would be considered a failure for both teams.
Its especially important for a Belgium team that has yet to fulfill the potential of its
Jackie Bradley Jr Jersey golden generation with a trophy. The No. 1 FIFA world ranking is nice, but Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne know that the expectation for their team is to finally get Belgium to a major tournament final. For that reason, the pre sure will be heaviest on the Red Devils.
Portugals game is crafted in the mold of their captain and leader Cristiano Ronaldo, who at 36 could be playing his final Euro tournament. It might be ugly at times, but the Portuguese always seem to find a way to leave their mark on a game and a tournament. And Portugal has a better squad this year than when they won this competition in 2016.
Watch:
Its a Round of 16 match that sets up nicely, with no obvious favorite and plenty to play for on both sides
Fred Lynn Jersey . The winner in Seville, Spain will move on to face Italy in the quarterfinals.
What the group stage revealed
Portugal may have qualified as the third-place team in its group, but it also clearly had the tougher group to navigate (Germany, France, Hungary) compared to Belgium (Denmark, Finland, Ru sia). So if battle-tested is a helpful trait, the Portuguese are more than ready for this heavyweight match.
What stands out about Portugals road to the Round of 16 is how the team has managed each of its three matches. The Portuguese generally take what the game gives them and then react accordingly. This approach leads to stretches during which they seem like theyre against the ropes (including against Hungary), and the match against Germany ultimately got away from them (4-2 lo s).
When the
Johnny Pesky Jersey circumstances demand it, Portugal can also commit more numbers forward and force the i sue. But the Portuguese are content letting the other team control the ball and then picking their moments in the attack with Ronaldo and forward teammate Diogo Jota showing theyre capable of creating chances for themselves.
MORE:
Outside of a spell against Denmark in an emotionally charged Parken Stadium, Belgium has been more consistent in its ability to control matches, granted it came against inferior opposition. With master playmaker De Bruyne back in the fold, hell relish the chance to pick apart the Portuguese defense if they give him the chance.
Belgium vs. Portugal starting lineups
Here are the starting lineups announced for both teams:
Belgium (5-2-3, left to right):
Brandon Workman Jersey Thibaut Courtois-GK Thorgan Hazard, Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen, Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Meunier Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne
Portugal (4-3-3, left to right): Rui Patricio-GK Raphael Guerreiro, Ruben Dias, Pepe, Diogo Dalot Renato Sanches, Joao Moutinho, Joao Palhinha Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota
Belgium vs. Portugal odds & prediction
Against the likes of France and Germany, the Portuguese were exposed in wide areas and on balls over the top, both areas of strength for Belgium. Center forward Romelu Lukaku, whos coming off the best season of his career for Inter Milan, will be key to the Belgians ability to capitalize on those phases of play.
But Portugal has the best defender in the English Premier League in Ruben Dias,
Hanley Ramirez Jersey who is strong, physical and projects to match up well against Lukaku. If Portugal can neutralize De Bruynes pa sing game in midfield and prevent balls from getting to Lukaku, that will bode well for its chances of advancing.
MORE:
And the Portuguese will also bank on the fragility of the Belgian psyche in a big spot. Belgium will likely have the Euro 2016 quarterfinal against underdog Wales (3-1 lo s) in the back of the players
Jim Rice Jersey minds, and the fact that they havent beaten Portugal since September 1989.
A close match in which both teams score projects to be the most realistic scenario. There are a few options to play that scenario in the odds market.
Prediction: Belgium 1, Portugal 2
Odds courtesy of DraftKings
Belgium to win (90 mins): +150Belgium to advance: -148Belgium -0.25 Asian Handicap: +112Draw (90 mins): +220Portugal to win (90 mins): +205Portugal to advance: +115Portugal -0.25 Asian Handicap: +155Both teams to score: -134Total goals over 2.5: +107
