Portugal-Belgium is a match valid for the group stage of the European Under-21 Championship 2023 and is played on Tuesday at 18:00: news, formations and predictions.
Reigning European champions Portugal are in danger of not even making it past the group stage. You read that right: only a series of combinations would allow Rui Jorge’s selection, one of the most talented and assorted of those that have reached the final stage, to avoid a resounding elimination.
The almost impossible-to-predict defeat against hosts Georgia on matchday one could prove fatal for the Lusitanians. Nuno Tavares and his team-mates, surprised on the opening day by the Caucasians (2-0), needed to win last Saturday against the Netherlands to remain masters of their own destiny. They stroked to victory for some 80 minutes, until Dutch centre forward Brobbey’s goal put the result back on an even keel. A draw that tastes like a defeat for Portugal, still in last place in the standings with only one point in 180 minutes. Obligatory, at this point, is the success against Belgium on the last day, but it might not even be enough if at the same time Holland manages to prevail over Georgia. Yes, because in that case the reigning vice-champions would end up tied on points with the Caucasians, who have the advantage in the direct clashes, the first discriminating factor to come into play in the event of a tie.
Delicate situation also for Belgium, on two points like the Netherlands. The Young Devils could have been in with a chance of securing qualification, but three days ago they squandered a two-goal lead (2-2) against Georgia, being caught up by the hosts in a frantic finish. Only two draws so far for De Ketelaere and his teammates, who now have to win in order not to make life more difficult for themselves.
Belgium players
The Prediction
Last call for Portugal, who can make no more mistakes if they want to avoid packing their bags and going home early. With their backs to the wall, the Portuguese selection could break through in the most important game and assert their superiority on a technical level: there is a good chance the Lusitanians will avoid defeat in a match where the second half is likely to be more prolific than the first.
Portugal v Belgium official line-ups
- PORTOGALLO U21 (4-4-2): Biai; Zé Carlos, Penetra, Amaro, Nuno Tavares; Joao Neves, Dantas, Samuel Costa, André Almeida; Neto, Araujo.
- BELGIUM U21 (4-2-3-1): Vandevoordt; Siquet, Debast, De Winter, De Cuyper; Vranckx, Keita; Ramazani, De Ketelaere, Balikwisha; Openda.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-0