I don’t think tonight will be Ronaldo’s night
Are Belgium the new Germany?
The question comes to mind after witnessing them shine at these Euros.
Certainly, there are similarities with the country that was once the dominant force in European and world football.
Roberto Martinez’s side is strong, they are physical, they can pass the ball around and they can play the game.
Guys like De Bruyne and Lukaku are quality players, who perform regularly at a high level, and can turn any game.
You look at them and you think: “Wow!” We can’t really call them dark horses because they have been ranked No. 1 in the world for a long time.
But they are the team to watch – against Portugal tonight and, I believe, beyond.
They have the mark of a great side in that they can look like they are struggling, then bring somebody on, and then bang! Suddenly, they hit you.
So many of their players are playing
with big clubs, playing Champions League football regularly and international football regularly.
When they rest their stars, there is maybe a chance you can get at them.
But then, when they bring them off the bench, you better be ready for them because they have shown how much they can change the game when they come on.
Lukaku was on great form at the end of the season, and he has taken it into the tournament.
When you have quality like Hazard, Tielemans and De Bruyne creating chances for him, then he is going to score goals.
There is a great balance to their side, to their squad and a real strength there.
On the other side tonight, of course, there is Cristiano Ronaldo.
I have never seen somebody who jumps better than he does. It is astounding the way he gets up so high, and hangs in the air.
With that leap, it is hard to believe he is a man in his mid-30s.
He scored five goals in Portugal’s three group games, and you would have to be a brave man to bet against him increasing his tally tonight.
But as much as he inspires his teammates, I am not sure they will have enough in this one.