Portugal bow out of the European Championship after defeat to Belgium

Portugal battled but fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Roberto Martinez’s Belgium to prematurely end their European adventure at the round of 16.

Heading into the tournament as defending champions, Portugal have fallen well short of their pre-season aspirations, ending the tournament with just 1 win from 4 games - their worst record at a Euros finals in their entire history.

However, Portugal were the underdogs in this clash, taking on the side that are officially ranked as the best nation in all of world football according to the FIFA World Rankings, and can be proud with their efforts despite the disappointing defeat.

Portugal started the match in a cagey, reserved manner, sizing up the opposition without making too many in-roads, though they did have by far the best opportunity of the first half, with Jota dragging a golden opportunity wide in the opening stages.

But while Portugal were slow in their build-up and not taking too many risks, Belgium equally were not too adventurous, and were somewhat fortuitous to go into the break at half time ahead thanks solely to a delightful long-range strike from Thorgan Hazard which curled agonisingly past the outstretched hand of Rui Patricio.

Portugal knew they needed to be more offensive in the second half - and to their credit, they really stepped up a gear and started to take the game to Belgium, who really had no response to Portugal’s attacking onslaught.

As the minutes ticked by, Portugal became increasingly offensive, throwing on more and more attacking options and forced Belgium to drop deeper and deeper - and Portugal had their chances to draw the game level.

Diogo Jota had another chance to score as he swivelled in the centre of the goal but ultimately blazed over.

Ruben Dias’ headed effort later in the game was powerful and could have resulted in a goal, but ultimately was fired straight down the keeper’s throat, while Raphael Guerreiro came closest, striking the post with a drilled low drive.

With the game entering stoppage time, Portugal’s dream to retain their European crown was beginning to come to an end, and Portugal’s fate was sealed when Joao Felix’s effort from the edge of the box bobbled wide.