Belgium and Portugal face off in a mouth-watering clash
Belgium and Portugal will trade tackles in another of the most high-profile round-of-16 fixtures in Euro 2020 tonight.
Belgium, the world's top-ranked side, face a difficult draw after taking maximum points from their three Group B matches, with Portugal going through as one of the four best third-placed teams, just because they did in 2016.
Belgium's golden generation have already been the surface of the FIFA rankings for nearly 3 years but are without a major tournament triumph, losing in the semi-finals of Russia 2018 to France 3 years ago.
With an in-form Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne back fit after a facial injury sustained in the Champions League final and Eden Hazard making his begin in the 2-0 make an impression on Finland, the Belgians haven't any shortage in firepower of their own.
Lukaku believes he ought to be classified now as a world-class striker and says everything fell into place for him in the season just finished, as he looks ahead to meeting Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal tonight.
The comparison with both has dominated the build-up to the last-16 clash between holders Portugal and top-ranked Belgium in Seville, in what may be the clash of the round.
Ronaldo is one goal from setting a fresh record for most national team goals, while Lukaku is Belgium's top scorer with 63 in 96 international appearances.
"At his age, he continues to shine and I'm going to try to get as near his achievements as possible," Lukaku said of his Portuguese rival, who he added was a significant way to obtain inspiration and motivation.
"Oh, I need competition. When someone says he's better than me, I want to transcend him. Ronaldo wants to be the best at everything, (France striker Kylian) Mbappe also really wants to win everything," Lukaku told reporters.
"I've taken a major step. (Robert) Lewandowski, (Karim) Benzema and (Harry) Kane used to be discussed as world-class strikers. For me, those type of comment was always limited by: 'He is in shape'. Well, now I'm top notch, too. That was my own goal.
"It was important to begin winning trophies, and the Serie A title with Inter gave me motivation and today I also want to win with the Red Devils. It might be the ultimate recognition because of this team. If I play badly I will be really disappointed in myself and the team, because now could be the right time to harvest."
