World No. 1 Belgium will get a tough test to begin the knockout stages at Euro 2020, as they will come up against defending champions Portugal.
After Portugal struggled through the Group of Death, they come into the Round of 16 as +200 underdogs, with Belgium coming back as slight +140 favorites.
Will Portugal's title defense come to an end after four matches? Read on for our Belgium vs. Portugal tips and predictions.
Game info
• Location: Estadio La Cartuja, Seville, Spain
• Date: Sunday, June 27, 2021
• Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN, TSN
Belgium vs Portugal betting tips
- Belgium (+140)
- Over 2.5 (+110)
Read on for complete analysis
Belgium vs Portugal match odds
Belgium: +140
Portugal: +200
Draw: +225
Total: 2.5
Over 2.5: +110
Under 2.5: -120
Odds as of June 24, 2021, at 5:45 p.m. ET.
Euro 2020 sharp money and line movement report
By Patrick EversonThere's been minimal movement in the three-way moneyline for today's match, which TwinSpires opened at Belgium +155/Portugal +198/Draw +215. As of 12:45 p.m. ET, pricing remains close in this knockout contest, at Belgium +160/Portugal +195/Draw +220, with the Belgian side taking 55 percent of tickets and 54 percent of dollars. Portugal is landing 27 percent of tickets/34 percent of money, and Draw is at 18 percent of tickets/12 percent of cash. The total of 2.5 opened at Under -137 and moved a few cents to Under -129, with 62 percent of tickets/66 percent of money on the Over.
Belgium vs Portugal betting preview
Weather
It'll be perfect conditions in Seville for this Round of 16 tie, with temperatures expected around 90 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff.
Key injuries
Belgium: No injuries to report.
Portugal: Joao Felix (Questionable), Nuno Mendes (Questionable).
Matchup
| Belgium | Portugal | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | World Ranking | 5 |
| 7 | Goals For | 7 |
| 1 | Goals Against | 6 |
| 2-0 vs. Finland | Previous Game | 2-2 vs. France |
| Kevin De Bruyne | Player to Watch | Renato Sanches |
Belgium vs Portugal predictions
Moneyline pick
The last dance for Belgium's golden generation has started brightly, with the Red Devils tested only by an inspired performance from Denmark during the group stages. Despite their most important player, Kevin De Bruyne, as well as his midfield partner Axel Witsel, and tricky winger Eden Hazard working back into full fitness in the first three matches, Belgium won all three group games and conceded just once against seven goals scored.
Perhaps most encouraging for Belgium from the group stage is that Romelu Lukaku, who entered the Euros coming off the best season of his career, has not shown any signs of fatigue in three outstanding games, and De Bruyne didn't skip a beat in his return from a facial injury.
It was not as encouraging of a group stage for Portugal, who took their fair share of lumps and then some in the Group of Death. Roundly outplayed by Germany, held tight for 80 minutes against Hungary, then putting together an average performance against France, Portugal were at times on the outside looking in during the final matchday.
While Portugal got through in the end, they don't appear to be long for the Euros, especially with a tricky test facing them. The 2016 Euros saw Portugal sneak through several times, with three of four knockout stage games decided in extra-time or penalties. They won't be so lucky this time, as Belgium can and will pick them apart on Sunday.
PREDICTION: Belgium (+140)
Over/Under pick
Despite boasting an absurd depth of attackers and talented, locksmith-passers in midfield, Portugal are a team that sits back, defends deep, and squeak by with results. While that's hardly an indictment of them, as pragmatism is a proven tournament-winning method, it has cost them when they open up.
That was never more apparent than in their 4-2 loss to Germany during the group stage, in which they were ripped open and torn apart, absent of answers for Germany's wing-backs nor the way they flooded central attacking areas. The two own goals they conceded were direct results of Germany getting the ball into dangerous areas, and had they not been turned in themselves, Germany would have converted them.
Worrying for Portugal, Belgium too relies on wing-backs, and if Germany's performance was any indication, they'll have total control of the flanks. Worse still, Portugal has looked most susceptible down the opponent's left, where defender Nelson Semedo has had an absolute nightmare tournament. Belgium's key man, Kevin De Bruyne, is fresh off a title-winning season from Manchester City where he adapted his position to occupy — you guessed it — the left side.
Belgium can breakthrough Portugal's defensive block and when they do, expansive soccer from both sides — and goals — will follow.
PREDICTION: Over 2.5 (+110)
Picks made on 6/24/2021 at 6:00 p.m. ET
Euro 2020 betting sites
As a signature tournament for the most popular sport in the world, almost every online sportsbook and betting site will offer odds for Euro 2020. Check out the best soccer betting sites available where you live.
