Belgium oust defending champions Portugal

Thorgan Hazard's first-half rocket helped Belgium edge past reigning champions Portugal with a 1-0 victory in the last 16 of Euro 2020 at the Estadio Olímpico de la Cartuja in Sevilla.

In a monotonous first-half, Belgium managed to take the lead after Borussia Dortmund's winger Thorgan Hazard bagged a sensational long-range strike with the outside of his boot which deceived Rui Patricio, and put his team ahead at the end of the first half.

Early in the second half, Belgium were dealt a blow when Kevin De Bruyne was subbed off for an apparent injury following a late challenge by Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha shortly before half-time.

Portugal piled on the pressure in the closing stages, coming closest to scoring when Raphael Guerreiro's shot hit the post with seven minutes remaining, moments after Ruben Dias' header from a corner was aimed straight at Thibaut Courtois who saved it easily.

The win for Belgium sets up a fantastic matchup with Italy in the quarter-finals on Friday, July 2 in Munich.

🇧🇪 Thorgan Hazard takes the plaudits after inspiring Belgium to the last 8 🥇@Heineken | #EUROSOTM | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/yT97ERdmUX

— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 27, 2021