Belgium vs. Portugal – European Championship, June 27, 2021

This is undoubtedly the heavyweight clash of the round of 16 at Euro 2020. The number one ranked team in the world take on the reigning champions in the heat of Seville on Sunday.

It has already been billed as a battle between Romelu Lukaku and Cristiano Ronaldo. But both sides have much more besides for what promises to be one of the games of the tournament. Read on to find out how I think this clash of the titans will go – and my Belgium vs. Portugal betting pick.

Three wins from three for Roberto Martinez’s Belgium, as it romped to first place in Group B. After dealing with the news of Christian Eriksen’s collapse in the other group game earlier in the day, Romelu Lukaku inspired his team to a convincing win over Russia to set Belgium off on the right foot.

An emotional game against Denmark in Copenhagen followed in which the Red Devils came back from a very early goal down to win another three points and secure a place in the last 16 with a game to spare. Kevin De Bruyne came on as a second-half sub, playing a big part in the first goal and scoring the winner.

A stubborn but limited Finland was seen off in the final group game after two goals in the last 15 minutes gave Belgium a 100% record in the group stage for the first time ever. Portugal will be a completely different proposition, however, and there will be no room for error on Sunday.

Five years ago Portugal won just three points in the group stage and went on to become Euro 2016 champions. This time around Fernando Santos’ side picked up four and progressed as one of the best third-place teams from what was commonly referred to as the Group of Death.

The 3-0 scoreline against Hungary in the opening game flatters Portugal somewhat, with all three goals scored in the last six minutes after a spirited home side visibly tired. Then came the shock result of the group as Portugal scored two own goals in a 4-2 reverse to Germany.

Portugal actually filled all four positions in the group table during the final fixture against France but eventually finished in third after sharing the points with the World champions. Ronaldo will not fear anyone in the knockout stages – but this is a Portugal side that has conceded six in three games.

Belgium is the slight favorite with BetOnline to win this one but it is sure to be a tight game in Seville on Sunday. Belgium has had Eden Hazard back in the side in the group stage but he has not made the impression Martinez would have hoped and more hope will be pinned on De Bruyne and Lukaku in my opinion.

Renato Sanches has come back to the fore for Portugal after a few years in the wilderness following a hugely impressive Euro 2016. But it is the form of Cristiano Ronaldo that continues to make this Portugal side a contender. He could do with some help from some of the other big names in the squad – but it could be the Ronaldo factor that wins this for Portugal.

Saying that, I feel as though we will have to wait for extra time to see a winner here. The heat of Seville could affect the players as the game goes on but the draw between two soccer giants after 90 minutes looks like the best value bet.