Thorgan Hazard on his Portugal wondergoal and Belgium’s injury worries
Thorgan Hazard gave his thoughts on his stunning winner for Belgium against Portugal in the round of 16 at Euro 2020. Thorgan also spoke about the injuries suffered by his brother Eden as well as midfielder star Kevin De Bruyne during the victory.
Belgium vs Italy: Line-ups
Belgium
Italy
Azzurri have attacking assets
#1
Belgium have now won each of their last 14 matches throughout the qualifiers and these finals; equalling the record set by Germany and last-eight opponents Italy. That mark must fall in Bavaria, as both nations seek a 15th successive victory in the competition – after following a perfect streak in qualifying with four wins from four so far.
#2
In all, the Red Devils have also scored in every one of their last 34 games, while winning 23 of their last 27. Such form, befitting the top-ranked nation in the world, saw them dominate Group B – with a 3-0 success against Russia being followed by comeback victory versus an emotional Denmark and then a regulation win over debutants Finland.
#3
#4
In fact, star striker Ciro Immobile became only the third member of the 26-man squad to reach a half-century of caps earlier in the competition, and the Lazio sharpshooter is also La Nazionale’s top active scorer, having found the net in five of his last six starts to take his international tally to a modest 15.
#5
After a 12th win in a row last time out, this current Italy squad – who cruised through as winners of Group A – are facing growing expectation that they can lift the trophy for the first time since triumphing on home soil at the 1968 event. The Azzurri have been runners-up twice in the intervening years – in both 2000 and 2012 – but to even reach this year’s decider, Mancini’s men must first beat Belgium, then either Switzerland or Spain in the semi-finals.
DPP Verdict
The pick of the quarter-finals, this clash is an incredibly difficult one to call, as moments of individual quality are likely to be all that separates the teams over the course of 90 minutes – and possibly extra time. Italy may progress to the semi-finals, however, as Belgium are diminished by injuries sustained in the last 16 and the Azzurri have attacking assets that can decide any game with a flash of inspiration.
