Two of Europe's big hitters go toe-to-toe in Seville tonight as Belgium face Portugal with a spot in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 up for grabs.
Ahead of the last-16 showdown, we provide all the vital pre-match information, including where to watch the match, what time it kicks off, key team news and probable XIs.
When is kick off?
Sunday 27th June, 20:00 GMT
Where is the match?
Estadio de La Cartuja, Seville (Spain)
What TV channel is it on?
ITV
Route to the last-16
Belgium topped Group B to set up their meeting with Portugal having defeated Russia, Denmark and Finland and were one of three teams to earn maximum points in the group stages. The Red Devils endured a scare against Denmark having struggled in the opening 45 minutes in their eventual 2-1 win over the Danish Dynamite, but had the quality in depth and personnel to secure victory.
Portugal's route to the last-16 was a little rockier than Belgium. Drawn in the group of death, A Selecao eventually made their dominance count in a 3-0 win over Hungary, with all three goals coming in the final 10 minutes. A goal with 15 minutes on the clock against Germany suggested they'd make it two wins from two, only to struggle to a 4-2 loss to Jogi Loew's side. A 2-2 draw with France in their final group game, coupled with Germany's 2-2 draw with Hungary, saw Portugal finish third in Group F owing to their worse head-to-head record with Die Mannschaft.
Team News
Timothy Castagne's eye socket fracture means Thomas Meunier is expected to start at right wing-back against Portugal. Axel Witsel started his first competitive game since January in Belgium's 2-0 over Finland and there are question marks over his fitness. Dedryck Boyata and Jason Denayer are in competition to complete Belgium's back three, with the former expected to be given the nod.
For Portugal, Diogo Dalot is in line to start at right-back after Nelson Semedo was forced off due to injury against France. In midfield, Fernando Santos has a couple of selection headaches. Bruno Fernandes was dropped for the 2-2 draw with France and may miss out on a starting spot once more. Danilo Pereira is a doubt for A Selecao and Joao Palhinha, who replaced him at the break against Les Bleus, could deputise. Joao Moutinho and Renato Sanches have done enough to keep their spots tonight.
Probable XIs
Belgium (3421) - Courtois; Alderweireld, Boyata, Vertonghen; Meunier, Tielemans, Witsel, T. Hazard; De Bruyne, E. Hazard; Lukaku
Portugal (433) - Patricio; Dalot, Pepe, Dias, Guerreiro; Moutinho, Pereira, Sanchez; Silva, Ronaldo, Jota
Key Battle: Kevin De Bruyne vs Bruno Fernandes
The two central midfielders in the WhoScored Premier League team of the season may lock horns in Seville tonight. Kevin De Bruyne has made quite the impact this summer following his return from injury, earning the man of the match award in wins over Denmark and Finland. Seven key passes against the latter is a record in a game at Euro 2020 and he'll hope to add to his nine goalscoring chances created at the competition against Portugal.
Bruno Fernandes may have enjoyed an impressive domestic season with Manchester United, but his form for his country in 2021 has left little to the imagination. Indeed, in five outings he is yet to score or assist for Portugal and he was dropped for the 2-2 draw with France. Portugal didn't really miss him in the midweek stalemate, so he could find himself out of the starting XI once more.
Score Prediction: Belgium 1-2 Portugal
