Coach Roberto Martinez said Belgium won’t alter their approach for Sunday’s Euro 2020 last-16 tie against holders Portugal despite the threat of the tournament’s leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo.
Belgium, the world’s top-ranked side, face a difficult draw after taking maximum points from their three Group B matches, with Portugal going through as one of the four best third-placed teams, just as they did in 2016.
But with an in-form Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne back fit after a facial injury sustained in the Champions League final and Eden Hazard making his first start in the 2-0 win over Finland, the Belgians have no shortage in firepower of their own.
“We cannot change who we are. We’re a dynamic team built to attack and to get at the opposing goal as soon as possible, but we’ll have to be patient,” Martinez told a news conference on Friday. We will have to make the right decision when to be patient and when to make those counter-attacks. We’re full of confidence. When we enjoy our football we play at our best,” he added.
Belgium came third at the 2018 World Cup but have their work cut out to reach the July 11 final at Wembley with Italy and France or Spain possible opponents in the next two rounds if they get beyond Portugal.
“It’s a tough path but if you get through then it’s all the nicer,” said goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. “That’s the draw we’ve got but we hope to finish well.”
First up is Ronaldo and co. in Seville, where Belgium will have the advantage of two extra days’ rest over Portugal, who drew 2-2 with France on Wednesday to make sure of their place in the knockout phase.
“It’s probably too early for the two teams to be facing each other but you have to be prepared,” said Martinez.
“Portugal are a team that whatever they do, they do it very well. We saw very different games against France, Germany and Hungary.”
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