Early reckoning for Belgium against Portugal as Dutch face old nemesis

LONDON: Top-ranked Belgium and their golden generation face an early reckoning at the European Championship against determined holders Portugal, who clawed their way into the last 16 to set up what is surely the blockbuster tie of the round in Seville on Sunday.

The contrast in progress could not have been greater with Belgium masterfully overcoming adversity to win all their group games, while a pugnacious Portugal saw their fortunes ebb and flow before they finished third in their section after holding world champions France to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday.

An extra day of rest was Belgium’s reward for topping Group ‘B’, having seen the talismanic trio of Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel all return from injury after it looked as if the heart of the team had been torn out on the eve of the tournament, threatening to scupper their strong chances.

The influence of the trio was clearly displayed when they came on after a torrid first half in Belgium’s second group against Denmark, neutralising the emotion-fueled hosts and turning a halftime deficit into a 2-1 win in Copenhagen.

That allowed Roberto Martinez to rest players in the 2-0 win over Finland on Monday in a textbook tournament scenario.

But whether it turns out to be the ideal recipe for success in the knockout phase remains to be seen. It could be counter argued that Portugal are better prepared, having had to scrap against the likes of Germany, who beat them 4-2, and France.

Portugal have their own talisman in Cristiano Ronaldo, who needs one more goal to become the all-time top scorer in international soccer.

Belgium coach Martinez wants to make sure his players won’t only be looking at Ronaldo, though.

“When you put a plan against a player specifically, you could be hurt by other players,” Martinez said. “Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be the player that gets the right moment, that right pass and the right chance and you have to be always aware, but you have to defend the 10 players of Portugal in the same measure.”

Ronaldo is the tournament’s leading scorer with five goals after three matches. The 36-year-old Juventus striker is level with former Iran striker Ali Daei at 109 goals atop the overall men’s scoring record in international football.

“We all know hes one of the best footballers in the world,” Martinez said. “Every player adapts when you get a little bit older, you become a little more clinical with what you do. I think Cristiano Ronaldo knows how to use the space, he penetrates from different areas, he’s got an incredible aerial threat.”

Portugal had only one win in their three group matches, against Hungary in the opener. They had only one win in 90 minutes during the entire tournament at Euro 2016, when they eventually broke through with their first major title by beating hosts France in the final.

Belgium are now the team trying to end their title drought and lift their first major trophy. They were runners-up at the European Championship in 1980, and finished third three years ago at the World Cup for their best finish at that tournament.

In Sunday’s other last 16 game the Netherlands are up against an old nemesis in the Czech Republic, who will enter the game at the Puskas Arena in Budapest as the odds-on favourites, at least when it comes to the history of their head-to-head encounters.

Since the Czech Republic emerged as an independent state in 1993, its national team has won five games and lost three against the Dutch, on top of three draws.

Before that, Czechos­lovakia memorably beat the Netherlands on the way to their only European Championship title in Belgrade in 1976, having edged Johan Cruyff and company 3-1 after extra time in the semi-final.

Czechoslovakia were not there to stop the Dutch when they won the 1988 title in West Germany.

Frank de Boer’s Dutch have turned their sceptical supporters into true believers after three straight wins to top Group ‘C’ with a perfect record, albeit all three wins came at Amsterdam’s Johan Cruyff Arena.

Yet the Netherlands will be wary of what lies ahead, especially if they under-estimate their opponents.

Dutch captain Georginio Wijnaldum moved quickly this week to dispel any notion they saw the Czechs as inferior opposition.

“Everyone has seen Germany against the Hungarians, right? We are viewing the Czech Republic as a top country and approaching the game as such,” he said.

Czech Republic’s assistant coach Jiri Chytry said his side would go into the game as the underdogs, as so often in the past against the Dutch.

“We consider the Netherlands one of the top teams, one of the favourites of the tournament,” he said. “But if we give our best, we are able to face anyone.”

The Czechs’ impressive record at the Euros has been understated. Since 1996 they have not only qualified for every tournament, but have made it past the group phase four times. They were runners-up in 1996, semi-finalists in 2004 and made the last eight in 2012.

Czech coach Jaroslav Silhavy has an energetic side, who press high and look for ball turnovers and counter-attack opportunities.

In Patrik Schick they possess an in-form striker, with three goals at the tournament so far, including an astonishing effort from near the halfway line against Scotland in their opening game.

The Dutch, however, remain favourites with Memphis Depay and Donyel Malen providing an exciting new combination in attack with Wijnaldum and Frenkie de Jong running the midfield.

Defender Matthijs de Ligt is over a groin injury and is adequately making up for the absence of Virgil van Dijk in the back four.