top of page
  • Writer's pictureThe Season Ticket

Euro 2020 | Thorgan Hazard screamer sends holders Portugal crashing out

Thorgan Hazard's brilliant swerving strike has earned Belgium a 1-0 win over Portugal in Seville in the last 16 of Euro 2020.

Borussia Dortmund star Hazard found the net with a fierce strike from 25 yards in the 42nd minute at Estadio Olimpico de la Cartuja to end Portugal's reign as European champions.

Belgium, who lost Kevin de Bruyne to another injury, will now will face Italy in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Portugal had threatened to plunder the game's first goal, but Diogo Jota dragged a shot wide from a good position in the fifth minute and Thibaut Courtois made a good save to beat away Cristiano Ronaldo's swerving free kick from distance 20 minutes later.

Thomas Meunier created a chance from nothing for Roberto Martinez' men in the 37th minute, cutting in from the right flank and curling an effort narrowly wide of the far top corner with the outside of his right boot.

Hazard opened the scoring with a stunning effort three minutes before half time, taking a touch to steady himself and sending a wicked swerving strike past Rui Patricio from distance to give Belgium the lead.

Martinez' side then lost De Bruyne to an ankle injury before the interval.

Portugal came close to drawing level in the 58th minute, but Liverpool attacker Jota's snapshot flew over the bar after Ronaldo picked out his teammate in the Belgian box.

Substitute João Félix then rose highest to meet Renato Sanchez' excellent cross, but Courtois made a fine diving save to deny the Atletico Madrid attacker.

Fernando Santos' side continued to push for an equaliser, and Courtois came up with another big save in the 82nd minute to parry a Ruben Dias header from a Portuguese corner.

A minute later, Raphael Guerreiro struck the bottom of the post with a first-time half-volley from the edge of the box.

Felix flashed a low effort harmlessly wide deep into stoppage time as Belgium held on to set up a quarter-final meeting with Italy.

2 views0 comments
bottom of page