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Golden generation: Belgium players (from left) Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Michy Batshuayi, Jeremy Doku and Hans Vanaken attend a training session in Tubize as they prepare for the last-16 match against Portugal. — AFP

SEVILLE: Top-ranked Belgium and their golden generation face an early reckoning at the European Championship against determined holders Portugal, who clawed their way into the last 16 to set up the potential match of the round today.

The contrast in progress could not have been greater with Belgium masterfully overcoming adversity to win all their group games, while a pugnacious Portugal saw their fortunes ebb and flow before they finished third in their section after holding world champions France to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday.