Jun 26, 7:55am | 4 min read

Belgium vs. Portugal Predictions: EURO 2020 Odds & Picks

Soccer

Graham Ruthven

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Graham Ruthven is back, giving us his picks for Sunday's showdown between powerhouses Belgium and Portugal

ANALYSIS

Belgium vs. Portugal Predictions: EURO 2020 Odds & Picks

Portugal entered Euro 2020 as defending European champions having triumphed against the odds in France five years ago and nothing about their performances at this tournament so far suggest they are willing to let go of their crown without a fight. Fernando Santos’ side don’t roll over easily.

Belgium, however, are the number one ranked international team on the planet. In the midst of a golden generation, the Red Devils want silverware and have the talent to go all the way this summer. One of these teams must go home with the other advancing to the final eight. Here are some tips and predictions for Belgium v Portugal on Sunday June 26.

Belgium vs. Portugal Predictions

Date: Sunday, June 27

Time: 3pm ET

Latest odds: Belgium +145, Draw +225, Portugal +210

View the full Belgium vs. Portugal odds here.

This will be the first meeting between these two nations at a major tournament, but Belgium and Portugal will know plenty about each other. While the former have scored two or more goals in each of their last 13 European Championship matches (including qualifiers), the latter are undefeated in their last six matches against Belgium (all competitions).

Cristiano Ronaldo is chasing history in the knowledge that one more goal at Euro 2020 will make him international football’s all-time top scorer. The 36-year-old has looked sharp in the three games he has played so far and looks to be a good bet to further underline his name in the history books here.

Martinez has a series of injury concerns, with Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel all struggling for full fitness. However, there’s a good chance all three players will start for Belgium against Portugal, such is their importance to the team Martinez has built over the last few years.

Santos has some decisions of his own to make. Bruno Fernandes has underwhelmed at Euro 2020 and could subsequently miss out on a place in the Portugal team for this one. Meanwhile, Renato Sanches has surely played his way into the side on the back of his sparkling display against France.

Portugal’s biggest challenge will be to deny Belgium space in behind for the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Hazard to burst into. If the defending European champions can keep the game in front of them and find a way to provide service to Ronaldo in attack, they stand a good chance of advancing. If not, this will likely be Belgium’s game.