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Portugal vs Belgium: Head to head statistics
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Portugal vs Belgium recommended bets
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Portugal vs Belgium match preview
The knockout stages of this summer’s under-21 European Championships don’t start until Saturday, but both of these two teams know they’ve entered win or go home territory.
Neither have recorded a victory in Group A thus far, but three points here would, almost certainly, see the victors advance.
Portugal are currently bottom of the table, having lost their opener 2-0 against co-host Georgia last mid-week.
Then, on Saturday, Rui Jorge’s side faced Netherlands, taking the lead in the first half when Pedro Neto’s driven cross was guided in on the volley by André Almeida.
However, Os Esperanças could not hold on for a priceless win, with Holland equalising via a corner 11 minutes from the end.
Portugal reached the final of this competition two summers ago, but are now staring down the barrel of a group stage elimination.
The Red Devils led 2-0 against Georgia by half time, with Maxim De Cuyper breaking the deadlock by heading home Aster Vranckx inch-perfect cross.
Not long after, De Cuyper turned provider, his cross nodded in by Largie Ramazani, and Jacky Mathijssen’s side were seemingly cruising towards three precious points.
But, in front of a record-breaking crowd at Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena, hosts Georgia fought back and earned a share of the spoils, making it 2-2 with just two minutes remaining.
So now, at least one of these two sides will be heading home after this one.
For Belgium, a win will guarantee their place in the quarter-finals, while a draw will also see them advance, unless Holland beat Georgia simultaneously.
Portugal simply have to win, but even that will not be enough if the Dutch are victorious elsewhere.
So, will either of these two be celebrating a place in the knockout phase following this clash at Mikheil Meskhi Stadium?
Portugal team news
Tomás Araújo will return at centre-back; his red card against Georgia saw him sit out Saturday’s draw suspended.
That aside, Rui Jorge made just two other changes to his XI at the weekend, with Samú Costa and Wolves striker Fábio Silva coming in.
Belgium team news
Captain Aster Vranckx returned to the XI at the weekend, as did wingers Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Largie Ramazani.
It’ll be interesting to see if Jacky Mathijssen’s team are bold from the start, given that they probably have to win.
Under-21 Euros Group A table
Under-21 Euros Group A results and fixtures
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