This archive report was first published on 28 June 2021.
Seville, Spain, June 27 - In a thrilling match, Belgium's Thorgan Hazard scored a stunning goal in the 42nd minute, securing a 1-0 win over reigning champions Portugal and sending Belgium to the Euro 2020 quarterfinals.
The match, played in Seville, Spain, was a closely contested affair, with Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo testing Belgium's Thibaut Courtois with a dipping free-kick in the first half. However, it was Hazard's swerving shot that proved to be the decisive moment, rocketing past Portugal's Rui Patrício and into the back of the net.
Belgium's victory was tempered by injuries to key players Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, who both hobbled off the field and will undergo scans on Monday. De Bruyne suffered an ankle injury, while Hazard's problem was described as a 'muscle feeling' by coach Roberto Martinez.
Portugal, meanwhile, stuck to a defensive approach that had served them well in the past, but ultimately proved to be insufficient against Belgium's creative and dynamic attack. 'I think it's an unfair result, but they scored and we didn't,' said Portugal coach Fernando Santos.
Belgium's win sets up a blockbuster quarterfinal matchup with Italy, and coach Martinez hailed his team's fighting spirit and talent. 'We showed our talent in the first half and in the second half we showed an aspect that wasn’t there two or three years ago,' he said. 'This is what a winning team needs.'
