Considered one of the favourites in the build-up to Euro 2020, Belgium have so far justified their status by cruising through to the knockout stages of the competition.
The next test for head coach Roberto Martinez and his men is a clash with reigning European champions Portugal.
With the top-ranked team in the world going up against the defending champions, it looks set to be an intriguing contest. However, it might well be the Red Devils who will be the ones smiling come the full-time whistle in Seville.
Belgians Well-Priced to Win in 90
Currently on a 12-match unbeaten run, Belgium are one of the form teams on the international scene.
Martinez’s side swept aside all before them in the group stages, beating Russia, Denmark and Finland, while keeping clean sheets in two of those encounters.
Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has led from the front and already has three goals to his name in the competition.
With the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard creating chances for themselves and others in the final third, it looks like the Portuguese defence – that leaked four goals against Germany – are in for another difficult night.
Belgium are 7/5 to win in the 90 minutes, while Lukaku is 6/4 to score anytime against Fernando Santos’ side.
Ronaldo Reliance Painfully Clear
It has been talked of for some time now, and the discussion will only become more heated after the European Championships, as to what Portugal will do when Cristiano Ronaldo retires?
Some questioned whether the Juventus forward still had what it takes to shine at an international tournament, but the 36-year-old has silenced those doubters.
With five goals already in the competition, Ronaldo leads the way when it comes to the Golden Boot, and his head-to-head with Lukaku will be one of the big talking points of Sunday’s encounter at the Estadio Olímpico de la Cartuja.
Ronaldo is 13/10 to score anytime and 3/1 to bag the opening goal of the night in this last-16 clash.
Portugal Will Have Their Moments
While Belgium’s defence has looked pretty solid through the competition, they do appear to have mistakes in them, which could see Portugal capitalise.
Jason Denayer was guilty of giving the ball away cheaply against Denmark in the group stages, seeing Yussuf Poulsen score a goal within the first couple of minutes in Copenhagen.
Meanwhile, with the firepower Belgium have on display, and Portugal’s own defensive frailties, goals could be the order of the day in this one.
Over 3.5 total goals in the game is available at 23/10, while a Belgian win with both teams to score in Seville is 16/5.
It should prove to be an entertaining contest between two star-studded teams, but if Belgium can keep Ronaldo quiet for the majority of the game, then it should be the Red Devils going through to the quarter-finals.
*All odds correct at time of writing
