Belgium ranked No.1 after a solid performance that saw them win 1-0 over Portugal, the defending European champion. After France’s exit, Belgium appears to be the tournament favourite. Borussia Dortmund’s wingback Thorgan Hazard was the winner for Belgium. However, Roberto Martinez will need to make tough decisions.
Belgium was worried about the health of its star midfielders Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard (ankle, portugal-italy), who both left the Portugal victory with injuries. De Bruyne got the start after Martinez stated that the pair were ” 50-50″ available to face Italy. Hazard was not allowed to play.
Belgium XICourtois, Alderweireld; Vermaelen; Vertonghen, Meunier; Witsel; Tielemans; T. Hazard; De Bruyne; Doku, Lukaku.
Italy XI: Donnarumma, Bonucci and Chiellini; Spinnazola, Spinnazola, Jorginho, Barella; Verratti; Chiesa.
Italy is still waiting to hear about the status of Giorgio Chiellini, Alessandro Florenzi’s key defenders, as they have returned from respective injuries. Italy beat Austria by 2-1 thanks to late goals by Federico Chiesa, Matteo Pessina.
Red Devils enter the quarterfinal match in Munich with a 13-game winning streak. After a 31-game unbeaten streak, the Azzurri are entering Friday’s match. The winner will meet either Spain or Switzerland in London for semifinals.
