Belgium topped Group B to reach the EURO 2020 quarter-final, facing Portugal – the third place from Group F. With Thorgan Hazard’s goal, Roberto Martínez’s men are one step closer to the final while Portugal fans might be disappointing at Fernando Santos.
Portugal had more shots and possession in Seville, but they never get past Thibaut Courtois. They lost against an efficient Belgium team that dominated the midfield with and without the ball. This tactical analysis will show the strategies of Martínez that made the differences, as well as analyzing some issues of Portugal’s attack.
Lineups
Belgium made some weird choices in the lineup compared to the group stage. Axel Witsel and Eden Hazard started their consecutive game for the national team. And seems Martínez also had his solution to the fragile central centre-back position, it was not Dedyrck Boyata or Jason Denayer. Instead, the 35-year-old former Barcelona and Arsenal player – Thomas Vermaelen.
Santos also tried other players after facing some struggles in the group stage. The Bruno Fernandes, William Carvalho, and Danilo Pereira trio was dismantled and replaced by João Palhinha, João Moutinho and Renato Sanches. Diogo Dalot also took Rúben Semedo’s right-back position.
