Xtra Time Web Desk: A stunning strike from Thorgan Hazard in the 42nd minute saw world no 1 Belgium shock defending champions Portugal 1-0 in EURO 2020 pre-quarter finals at Sevilla on Sunday night. The result meant Cristiano Ronaldo and his team were knocked out of the tournament. Belgium will now face Italy in the quarter finals in Munich on Friday.
Portugal was easily the dominating of the two sides. Diogo Jota missed an opportunity to give Portugal the lead in the 5th minute. Belgium too had their opportunities as Romelu Lukaku played a one to one with Eden Hazard but the later’s shot was saved by Rui Patricio. Portugal talisman Cristiano Ronaldo came close to scoring as his powerful free-kick was acrobatically saved by Thibaut Courtois in the 24th minute.
The only real moment of the match arrived in the 42nd minute when Thorgan Hazard unleashed a swerving long ranger that beat the outstretched hands of Patricio to give Belgium the lead.
A goal down Portugal went all guns blazing to find the equalizer. Coach Fernando Santos made as many as five changes including the introduction of Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, Diogo Pereira, S Oliveira and Andre Silva. The defending champions had as many as 22 attempts at goal with only 4 on target.
Courtois made a brilliant save to deny Ruben Diaz scoring the equalizer in the 81st minute. Raphael Guerreiro saw his low shot hitting the post in the closing stages.
The win saw Belgium reaching the quarter finals where they will face Italy in Munich on Friday.