Portugal, Netherlands suffer early dreadful Euro exit

Portugal and Netherlands became the first big name casualties of the Euro 2020 round 16 knockouts on Sunday evening.

Portugal, enjoying the captaincy of Juventus star Christiano Ronaldo, headed into the match as probable favourites against the Belgian team, which equally has big names.

Former Chelsea midfielder Thorgan Hazard was fed outside the box and Borussia Dortmund rifled a shot past Rui Patricio several yards out to put his side ahead.

Kevin Debruyne suffered a blip after which he was substituted by Dries Mertens upon picking up an injury.

Going into the second half, the Portuguese grew into the game with an attempt to stretch the Belgian defence, which relied on wing backs to attack and defence in numbers.

Thibaut Courtois denied Christiano Ronaldo after the former Real Madrid man tested him with a freekick.

A last minute battle by the Portuguese to salvage a goal and force the match into extra time failed to bear fruits.

Elsewhere, Netherlands suffered a shocking early exit in the hands of resilient and less fancied Czech Republic earlier on. The Dutchmen were dealt a blow after Mathijs de Ligt saw red for a bookable challenge.

Goals from Tomas Holes and Patrick Schick ensured victory for the Czech Republic against 10-man Netherlands. Belgium will now play against Italy in the quarterfinal of the tournament later this week.