© AP
First place in Group B and third place in Group F (group of death). The first ranked team in the world ranking against the European champions. Belgium vs Portugal: 50% chance for each of them, according to bookmakers, to advance to the next stage, where Italy awaits. This was one of the most anticipated matchups in the round of 16. The outcome of the match, which heated up the fans' emotions and took place at the Seville Stadium, crowned the European champions, who were sent home after losing to the Belgians with a score of 1:0.
Joao Palhinha, the midfielder of the Portuguese national team, commented after the match: "We created more opportunities than the Belgians, but we couldn't capitalize on them. In the first half of the match, we controlled the situation and dominated the game. I don't remember any other chances for the Belgians except for the one they used to score a goal."
"I think we lacked luck in the match, while Belgium had it. These matches could be described this way. We are disappointed - we didn't want this kind of end to the championship. And this performance is not and cannot be a reflection of the quality of our game. I am sure that our team deserves more," added the player.
