BELGIUM have been dealt a huge Euro 2020 blow after Kevin de Bruyne was forced off injured against Portugal.
The Manchester City ace was clattered into in the first half by Palhinha during their 1-0 last-16 win.
It was obvious De Bruyne was struggling, but he somehow made it through to half-time, and even came out for the second 45.
But that lasted just 90 SECONDS before he was replaced by Dries Mertens.
Portugal hero Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the first on the scene to offer his sympathy to De Bruyne on his night ending early.
De Bruyne had to be helped off the field by Roberto Martinez – who will now face an anxious wait to see if one of his star men is fit for the quarter-finals.
The agricultural challenge on De Bruyne came just moments after he had watched team-mate – and eventual match-winner – Thorgan Hazard smash Belgium into the lead.
The former Chelsea man, and brother of Eden, cut inside and smashed an effort past Rui Patricio in the Portugal goal.
It was more grief for De Bruyne who was subbed off in tears for Manchester City in their Champions League final defeat to Chelsea.
That time, the 29-year-old was left with a fractured nose and eye socket after a clash with Blues defender Antonio Rudiger.
BETTING SPECIAL: GET ENGLAND TO BEAT GERMANY AT 14/1
De Bruyne’s latest misfortunate had man people commenting on Twitter.
One pointed out that he is ‘so unlucky with injuries’, adding that he has ‘had 14 of them since 2017’.
Many fans were critical of Palinha for the ‘terrible challenge from behind’.
One even described it as ‘disgusting’ and added that ‘the only way anyone can stop De Bruyne is to physically remove him from the game’.
And Ronaldo received lots of praise for consoling De Buyne when he realised the game was up.
‘Respect’, and ‘fair play’ were just some of the words used for the incredible show of sportsmanship.
Belgium were dealt ANOTHER injury blow when the unlucky Eden Hazard came off holding his hamstring.
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
