End of dream in semi-final for Belgium

Leading the score during the first half, Belgium seemed to take control of their U20 European Championship semi-final against Portugal. But three tries in the space of 10 minutes changed the situation before the break. The Lusitanians then ensured their qualification, depriving the Belgians of a second consecutive final and their big objective.

Both teams started this semi-final in minor mode, with a lot of mistakes on both sides. After a penalty conceded after 30 seconds (missed by Portugal), a first scrum and a first touch lost, Belgium gradually put its game in place and gained momentum.

A first Belgian highlight in the 22 shortly after the first quarter of an hour led to the opener, Christoph Brys flattening the ball carried following a touch (5-0).

The Belgians then seemed to gain the upper hand. A transmission error within 22 at half an hour, however, gave the Portuguese a try. A turning point in this semi-final. The end of the first half then proved complicated for our compatriots, who conceded two new tries before the break, reached with a score of 5-17.

Invigorated by the end of the first period, Portugal laid siege to the 22 Belgians at the start of the second. Belgium folded but ultimately only conceded a penalty (5-20).

Dominated, the Belgian team struggled to get moving again. The minutes ticked by and the Lusitanian team kept control. Especially since she scored with a corner try shortly after the hour mark (5-27).

The Belgians would then put the pressure back on. A try from Sohan Dealle Facquez gave hope to the black-yellow-red camp (12-27). But the Portuguese responded immediately with a penalty (12-30). The final rush by captain Lucas Michiels and others proved in vain.

Coming to Prague to try to win the European U20 title, Belgium therefore saw Portugal deprive it of a second consecutive final. The Belgians must now refocus on the small final to get third place in this European Championship. Facing the loser of the other semi-final between Romania and the Netherlands.

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