Heavyweight evening in La Cartuja

It does not reach the stature of the memorable fight between Mohamed Ali and George Foreman that on October 30, 1974 made Africa roar and went around the world, but in the heat of La Cartuja an extraordinary evening is celebrated this Sunday with two heavyweights of the planet football as protagonists: Cristiano Ronaldo, the champion and insatiable scorer of the records that sustains Portugal, in front of Romelu Lukaku, the legitimate Belgian candidate who puts any defense in check with his excellent punch and remarkable concepts of fajador, but with a certain tendency to decentralize.

Two of the favorites for the title meet very soon, in the round of 16 of the European Championship. The battle has taken on an early end tint because the Portuguese defend the title they won five years ago against France in Paris and the Belgian golden generation led by the Spanish Roberto Martínez is perhaps enjoying their last chance to culminate their progression by crowning the top in a great tournament.

After concluding the first phase as leaders of their group B and with full victories, the ‘red devils’ hoped to cross in the first crossing with a more affordable rival, but they have run into a coconut, a survivor in the’ group of death ‘as one of the four best third parties. Despite the five goals scored by Cristiano Ronaldo, three of them from penalties, those of Fernando Santos finished behind France and Germany, which now forces them to a massive revalidation.

As always since the crack from Madeira, at just 18 years old, replaced Luis Figo during a friendly against Kazakhstan and staged the generational change sponsored by Brazilian Luiz Felipe Scolari, Portugal appeals to his star as a guarantee. The Juventus forward is 36 years old and is contesting his fifth European Championship, an absolute record, but his ambition remains unchanged. He is the top scorer of the tournament, the top scorer in the championship with 14 goals and has equaled Iranian Ali Daeil as the best scorer of the teams (109). Does anyone give more?

Referents

“He is always trying and fights for goals,” Portuguese Fernando Santos thanks him, happy because his star “is committed to the team.” The ex-Madridista will once again be the benchmark of a group that at times was on the brink of the abyss in the group stage, but which after their 4-2 defeat to Germany gave a good image in the 2-2 draw with France.

«This team knows that it has to attack well and defend well; when we do it, it is difficult for any rival, “warned veteran Santos before the clash with the world champions. Ronaldo will probably be accompanied in attack by Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota, while in midfield the coach could choose to repeat with Joao Moutinho and Renato Sanches.

The intense heat of Seville benefits the Portuguese on paper, who a priori have already won the duel in the stands due to their geographical proximity. The warnings of the Belgian government when demanding prudence by the situation of the covid-19 in the Andalusian capital, will discourage many fans. But whether in La Cartuja, at home or in bars, the Belgians will be very aware of a team that took bronze in the 2018 World Cup in Russia and exhibits an impeccable journey in the Eurocup.

Around with Hazard

Waiting for a better version of Eden Hazard, Lukaku, scorer of three goals in the continental championship, is the man to watch. “When he’s in the area, it’s difficult for defenders to stop him. With his body, his strength, he perfectly controls the ball. And in the race he is also fearsome ”, described his teammate Kevin de Bruyne about the imposing Serie A champion with Inter.

The City midfielder or forward missed the first match against Russia due to fractures to his face suffered in the Champions League final, but has followed an upward trend in the next two games, with two goals and two assists. Roberto Martínez has avoided overtaking if he will start from the start. “We are a dynamic team that is built on the attack. But we will have to be patient, control the game, be solid, compact and defend as a team, “warned the Catalan. At this point, the Eurocup no longer forgives mistakes.