Belgium’s national soccer team resumes its preparations for the 2016 UEFA European Championship, following last week’s deadly bombings in Brussels.
Portugal hosts Belgium on Tuesday at Pessoa Stadium in Leiria, Portugal, in an exhibition game many thought would never occur. Belgium’s Football Association initially canceled the game in the aftermath of the attacks, but Portugal offered to stage the game as a show of solidarity and defiance against violence.
“It’s very important the match is being held, and to organize it in Portugal is a very good solution,” Portugal coach Fernando Santos said Monday at a press conference, according to the BBC. “I don’t get the impression that during the match the players are going to think about the tragedy and that they won’t be able to get away from it during the game.
“The important thing is the signal this match gives, the signal is that football is not afraid, the people are not afraid.”
Soccer will now go ahead at the alternate venue, and FIFA’s No. 7 and No. 1 ranked teams will face off just two months ahead of Euro 2016.
Crisitano Ronaldo is expected to lead Portugal, as it looks to rebound from Friday’s 1-0 loss to Bulgaria.
Belgium will be without captain Vincent Kompany, star attackers Kevin de Bruyne and Eden Hazard and several others. But the Red Devils will have the sympathy of many neutrals and partisans as they represent their country for the first time since the terror attacks.
Here’s how to watch Portugal vs. Belgium online:
When: Tuesday, March 29 at 2:45 p.m. ET
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
