The journey is over at Euro 2020 for Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates after they were beaten 1-0 on Sunday in their Round of 16 tie by Belgium.
Thorgan Hazard got the all-important goal in the 42nd minute off an assist from Thomas Meunier and that was all Belgium needed to knock out the defending champions.
Ronaldo who was eyeing at least one more goal to become the all-time highest international goalscorer tried hard to rescue his team from defeat but his effort proved futile as Belgium progressed to set up a quarter final date with Italy.
While Belgium will be happy with their quarter final ticket, they would be sweating over Kevin De Bruyne who limped out of Sunday’s clash with Portugal.
Late in the first half, the Manchester City star was tackled roughly by Joao Palhinha and though he emerged for the second period, he quickly indicated that he needed to be replaced.
Shortly afterwards, Dries Mertens came onto the field in his place.
In the day’s earlier tie, the Czech Republic knocked out the Netherlands, after securing a 2-0 win over the Orange meb.
Goals from Holes and Schick propelled the Czechs into the last eight after the Dutch went down to 10 with a red card for De Ligt.
The Czech Republic have now set up a clash with Denmark in Baku next Saturday for a place in the semifinals.
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