Belgium, Portugal out to improve

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  • Post published:June 17, 2016

Belgium and Portugal will be looking for better when they take to the field for their respective Group Stage fixtures in Euro 2016 on Saturday.

Belgium will face Republic of Ireland in the early game hoping for a change of fortunates following a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Italy in their opening Group E clash. Ireland, for their part, were unfortunate to play out a 1-1 against Sweden in their opener, but will need to record a win if they have hopes of progressing.

The Irish will be without Jon Walters for the tie, while Keiren Westwood will also miss the clash following a back injury. Attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, meanwhile, is doubt for Belgium, who are otherwise at full strength.

Belgium have historically had the better of the clashes between the sides having won five of the sides’ 14 previous meetings, which includes seven draws.

The game will be played at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux.

 Kick-off is at 15:00.

The second game of the day sees Iceland take on Hungary in Group F. Minnows Iceland did well to rescue a draw against Portugal in their opening game, but will have a tough task against an inspired Hungarian side who defeated a highly rated Austrian outfit in their first match.

Hungary have an excellent record against Iceland having beaten them in their last five head-to-heads, including a thumping 4-0 victory when the sides last met in 2011. Hungary will be confident of extending that run with yet another win this time around.

Iceland, meanwhile, will be hoping to build on their draw with an upset victory. The side are making their debut in the European championships this tournament and they will eager to claim a first win.

The match will be played at the Stade Vélodrome, Marseille.

The game gets underway at 18:00.

The late game sees Portugal take on Austria, also in Group F.

Aleksandar Dragovic will be missing for the Austrians following his sending off last game, while Portugal are expected to be at full strength, but will be hoping for better from their star player Cristiano Ronaldo following his lacklustre display against Iceland.

Austria were wasteful in their game against Hungary, wasting a series of chances while letting in two goals at the other end. They will be looking to be both more resolute and clinical this time around.

The sides drew 1-1 in their last competitive meeting which came back in 1995. Portugal has never lost against Hungary and was won seven of the 10 games the sides have played.

The action will be live from the Parc des Princes, Paris.

Kick-off is at 21:00.