Full Strength Belgium Held By Portugal

International Friendly 

Result: Belgium 0-0 Portugal

Date: 02 June 2018

Venue: Stade Roi Baudouin

A star-studded Belgium side were held to a 0-0 draw by Portugal, who were without Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday evening.

Cristiano Ronaldo was unavailable for Portugal as he had been given an extended break following the UEFA Champions League final last weekend.

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez is yet to announce his final squad for the World Cup so places were up for grabs.

The Red Devils were enjoying a good spell of possession in the early stages with quick passing and movement looking to stretch the visitors.

João Moutinho had the first shot at goal of the match for Portugal in the 25th minute with a low drive outside the box but Thibaut Courtois made a comfortable save.

The European Champions were growing in the match after half-an-hour, not allowing Portugal as much time and space on the ball as at the early stages.

Bernardo Silva worked his way inside the box three minutes before the break for Portugal to unleash a low shot that sailed narrowly wide from a tight angle.

Fernando Santos’ charges ended the half strongly but could not find the breakthrough in a goalless first stanza.

Belgium made a few changes changes at the beginning of the second stanza, as the likes of Marouane Fellaini, Christian Benteke and Nacer Chadli were introduced.

The match was even after the hour-mark although Portugal were dangerous whenever they had chances to go forward.

The game was opening up with 20 minutes to go as Santos’ troops were breaking on counter-attacks but they were not taking their chances.

Portugal, meanwhile, were ringing the changes with ten minutes remaining which compromised the free flow of the match.

As a result, neither side could carve out a clear-cut opening and the spoils were shared on the night.