Thorgan Hazard produced a stunning strike to give Belgium a 1-0 win over holders Portugal to set up a Euro 2020 quarter-final against Italy.
The younger of the two Hazard brothers in Belgium’s starting line-up provided the game’s only real moment of quality when he unleashed a swerving, long-range effort which flew past Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio late in the first half in a sometimes cagey and ill-tempered encounter in Seville.
Before that though, Portugal had the better chances with Diogo Jota firing wastefully wide and Euro 2020 top-scorer Cristiano Ronaldo forcing a diving save from Thibaut Courtois with a well-struck free-kick.
But despite the introductions of Bruno Fernandes and Joao Felix in the second half, Fernando Santos’ side were unable to muster an equaliser, with Raphael Guerreiro going closest when he struck a low shot against the post in the closing stages.
Belgium lost Kevin De Bruyne to an apparent ankle injury after a late challenge by Portugal midfielder Joao Palhinha shortly after half-time, while Eden Hazard may also be a doubt to face Italy in Munich on Friday having walked off clutching his hamstring late on.
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