Hazard's Goal Was Enough.

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Everyone looked forward to this encounter and personally, I would say I was not impressed with Belgium but at this stage of the tournament, you don't have to be at your best to grind out the result and that is exactly what Belgium did. They defended resolutely and hit Portugal on the break. They did it to perfection even though Portugal played better and were the better team in every department.

Ronaldo couldn't inspire his team to a victory and they crashed out of the competition. Portugal showed desire and intent but they were not enough to break down a resolute Belgian side who needed a moment of magic from Thorgan Hazard to break the deadlock and qualify for the quarter-finals.

Ronaldo had a freekick in the 25th minute. It was a good hit - dipping and swerving freekick but Courtois was there to stop it. The ball fell out of his hands and Palhinha was on hand to play the rebound but his header was weak and Belgium survived the scare.

In the 37th minute, Meunier tried to produce the magic of Modric against Scotland with the outside of his foot but his curler went just wide. It would have been a goal to behold. He wasn't as lucky as Luka Modric.

In the 40th minute, Sanches produced a brilliant moment as he expertly held up the ball, stood his ground, beat challenges and was resilient in getting the ball and not lose it. He found Bernardo Silva who failed to pick out Cristiano Ronaldo on time and by the time he tried to reach out, his effort was blocked for a corner kick.

2 minutes later, Belgium delivered the blow that sent Portugal packing when Thorgan Hazard smashed home an incredible strike into the back of the net. It was a thumping strike with power and accuracy for his second goal of the tournament and the only goal of the game. It was an excellent hit after he gathered the ball from just outside the box, controlled the ball well and smashed home the ball.

Out of desperation, Palhinha had a strike too for Portugal but it was off target. Portugal wasted a golden chance in the 58th minute after Cristiano Ronaldo managed to beat him makers and brilliantly found Diogo Jota inside the box. His rush and lack of awareness made him blaze his shot over the bar from a close range, shockingly.

João Felix was introduced into the fray with Bruno Fernandes and Felix had a decent chance in the 60th minute but his header wasn't much of a threat to the goalkeeper. Ronaldo also had a weak effort hit the side of the box in the 75th minute.

Portugal threw everything at Belgium but it was not enough. Bruno Fernandes found Andre Silva; another substitute but his header was off target. 2 minutes after, Ruben Dias powered a header from a corner kick straight at the goalkeeper who comfortably saved it.

Portugal's lack of luck was obvious in the 84th minute when Guerreiro had a one time strike at goal. It was brilliant and perfect but the upright came to the rescue. It would have been a wonderful goal for an equalizer.

In the 88th minute, Andre Silva received a flicked pass from Ronaldo but Courtois was quick off his feet to save the effort and in the 4th minute of the extra time, Felix was also set up to drag his side back into the game and he blasted wide.

The game ended and Belgium won against Portugal with that moment of brilliance from Thorgan Hazard.

Belgium would play Italy next while the Czech Republic would be facing Denmark. The games are getting more intense and there are more twists to come.


Thank you for your time.


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6 comments
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Great win it was from Belgium in their quest for the trophy. Clipping the defending the champions is a nice show that they mean business.

Saw a more better Belgium as they did quite well to stop all the barrage of attacks from Portugal. Sadly Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't extend his tally of international goals. He will have to wait till the next competitive fixture to surpass Ali Daei.

The Belgium against Italy is a must see as both team who have similar desire as this tournament lock horns. Who will bow? 8 guess we will find out


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I am surprised at how Belgium have been playing recently. They have so much to dominate matches but they are not as exciting as I want them to be.

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Yeah I guess they have some problem with their backline the reason they are playing a little bit cautious as a team.

I however expect them to be more explosive in their subsequent game has some confidence must have grown and with the kind of teams they will be facing


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Let's hope so because France saw how being careful earlier cost them. Let's hope they won't face the same fate too because I really like Belgium too.

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