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When Belgium take on Portugal in the Round of 16 at UEFA Euro 2020 on Sunday, it will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams at a major competition.
The high-scoring sides had contrasting fortunes in the group stage. Belgium won all their three games, keeping a clean sheet in two. Meanwhile, Portugal won only one of their three games to qualify as one of four best third-placed teams.
The reigning champions will have their hands full against a rampant Belgium. Portugal will need other players to complement the efforts of Cristiano Ronaldo, who has notched up five goals and an assist in the tournament.
Both Belgium and Portugal have some of the world's best players in virtually all positions in the field. Many of whom have won league titles with their clubs last season. So the team that wins this game will fancy their chances of going all the way at Euro 2020.
With the stage all set for the No.1 team in the FIFA rankings to take on the holders at the Estadio La Cartuja de Sevilla, let's take a look at five players who could be key in the outcome of the game.
#5 Thomas Meunier (Belgium)
Wing-backs have assumed greater significance in the game in recent times. In the ongoing Euro 2020 tournament, many teams have played with two wing-backs in their lineup, one of these teams being Belgium.
Roberto Martinez would've preferred to have Leicester City's Timothy Castagne starting against Portugal. But an eye injury has ruled Castagne out of the competition, meaning Borussia Dortmund's flying right-back Thomas Meunier will start in his place.
The 29-year-old has made a name for himself as a goalscoring defender. He has already opened his account in the competition, scoring and assisting in Belgium's Euro 2020 opener against Russia.
His pace and ability to get into dangerous positions from the flanks is a welcome addition to Belgium's formidable attack. He will likely be up against club teammate Raphael Guerrero on the right flank. The Portugal defender's penchant to over-commit in attack is something Meunier would look to exploit.
#4 Romelu Lukaku (Belgium)
There are a lot of players who have the ability to single-handedly change the outcome of games for Belgium. But the player who usually ends up finding the back of the net for the Red Devils is their striker Romelu Lukaku. He is expected to be the dangerman Portugal need to watch out for.
The Inter Milan striker has continued his goalscoring form with Belgium, scoring three goals at Euro 2020. His physical strength, pace and tenacity in the box make it incredibly difficult for opposition players to defend against him.
Apart from his direct goal involvement, Lukaku is much more than just a target man. That was evident in his performance against Denmark, where Lukaku was key in the buildup of both goals in Belgium's come-from-behind win.
Also Read: Netherlands vs Czech Republic prediction, preview, team news, and more | UEFA Euro 2020.
#3 Pepe (Portugal)
Portugal's Pepe, who turned 38 in February, is still going strong. But he often gets overlooked in conversations about players aged 35 and above who are still operating at the highest level.
Pepe is coming off a great season with Porto. Though his club could not retain their league title, Pepe helped the Portuguese giants beat Juventus in the Champions League and reach the quarter-finals.
At Euro 2020, he has recovered more balls than any other Portugal player and has also won four tackles in three games thus far. His experience makes him one of the key players for Fernando Santos. Pepe will be given the huge task of keeping Belgium's Romelu Lukaku quiet when the two teams lock horns on Sunday.
#2 Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
Kevin De Bruyne is a player who possesses the ability to do it all on the pitch. He is great from set-pieces, can score with either foot, create chances out of nothing and has the presence of mind to know when to shoot and when to pass.
He has been in the form of his life for club and country in the last few years. De Bruyne made a swift recovery from a fractured eye socket in the Champions League final about a month ago. In his first game at Euro 2020, the Belgium midfielder scored a goal and an assist against Denmark.
He is one of the first names in the Belgium teamsheet and is said to be back to full fitness ahead of the clash against Portugal. De Bruyne is a central figure in Belgium's so-called golden generation and will be expected to produce a top-notch performance against Portugal.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
It is difficult not to become a one-man team when you have a player like Cristiano Ronaldo in your ranks.
Portugal were drawn in Group F, alongside France, Germany and Hungary in the 'group of death' at Euro 2020. One of the big reasons they managed to secure a spot in the knockout stage was because of Ronaldo's six goal contributions (five goals, one assist).
He has already surpassed his tally of three goals in Portugal's title-winning run at Euro 2016. With 109 goals, Ronaldo is on the cusp of becoming the most prolific amle goalscorer in international football.
The Juventus star's drive and dedication towards being the best player in the world is unparalleled. At the business end of tournaments, like the Round-of-16 clash against Belgium at Euro 2020, Ronaldo tends to up the ante, something the Red Devils will have to be wary of.
Ronaldo is arguably the single biggest threat for Belgium if they wish to progress further at Euro 2020.
Also Read: 10 football players with the most fans in the world.
