5 reasons why Portugal will struggle against Belgium | Euro 2020
The Euro 2020 knockout stage is underway and Portugal will take on Belgium in one of the most high-profile matches in the Round of 16. Belgium have had a largely hassle-free journey through the group stage.
The only time they've looked vulnerable so far was early on in the game against Denmark. But a brilliant second-half performance helped them secure all three points after going behind as early as the second minute of the match.
Roberto Martinez's side will face their toughest test yet against Portugal. Drawn in Euro 2020 Group F alongside France and Germany, Fernando Santos' men have done a decent job so far. But they will need to step it up now as it's do-or-die from here on.
Portugal started their Euro 2020 campaign with a 3-0 win over Hungary. The scoreline was flattering to Cristiano Ronaldo and co. and a bit unfair to Hungary who were able to hold the reigning champions to 0-0 until the 84th minute.
Portugal were outplayed by Germany in their second game and lost 4-2. But they managed to hold their own against reigning world champions France in their last group game and settled for a 2-2 draw. Portugal now have their work cut out for them as they square off against one of the strongest sides at Euro 2020.
Without further ado, let's take a look at five reasons why Portugal will struggle against Belgium.
#5 Portugal's defence has been anything but solid at Euro 2020
Portugal were able to keep a cleansheet in their Euro 2020 opening fixture against Hungary. They had a fair amount of good fortune working in their favour with Hungary's 80th minute goal getting chalked off for offside.
The Portuguese defence did not hold up well against Germany. After taking the lead, Portugal fell 2-1 behind as both Ruben Dias and Raphael Guerreiro scored own goals. They eventually lost the game 4-2.
Portugal conceded two goals against France and have not done a great job against two of the best attacking units at Euro 2020.
Belgium are not going to be very different. Nelson Semedo hasn't looked steady in defence and the centre-back pairing of Ruben Dias and Pepe are yet to settle down. They will need to be on high-alert throughout the length of the game today.
#4 Portugal's attackers have lacked sharpness
Fernando Santos is expected to persist with a front three of Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota. Bernardo Silva had rather forgettable outings against Hungary and Germany. However, he was able to offer a lot more going forward in the game against France.
Jota was one of Portugal's better players against Germany and he got a goal to show for it as well. However, he dropped a dud against France and was largely ineffective. There hasn't been much cohesiveness about the trio's linkup play in the final third.
Three of Portugal's seven goals so far have also come from the spot. In big matches like this, it's the margins that count and Portugal's attackers will need to improve if they're to progress to the quarter-finals.