Hungary 3-3 Portugal: EURO 2016 Group F Report

Portugal will progress to the last-16 of EURO 2016 after coming from behind three times to secure a point in a thrilling encounter in Lyon against Hungary.

With only three points separating all four teams in Group F; Hungary, Portugal, Iceland and Austria went in to their final group game with all to play for.

Portugal started the game on the front foot, with Nani and Joao Mario passing up good opportunities in the opening ten minutes. Nani, the former Manchester United man, was proving to be a particular nuisance for the Hungarian defence.

Dzsudzsak celebrates his brace with the Hungarian fans – Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

But Hungary – who went into the game as Group F leaders – soaked up the pressure and took the lead after 19 minutes.

Portugal thought they had dealt with a corner from Hungarian captain Balazs Dzsudzsak, but former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Zoltan Gera was first to the clearance and volleyed past Portuguese goalkeeper Rui Patricio from 25 years.

Akos Elek came close to doubling Hungary’s lead five minutes later, as the winger latched onto a loose ball and forced a good save from Patricio.

Mario thought he had equalised five minutes before half-time as he was the first to a Pepe pass across the face of goal, but the central defender was offside.

However, Portugal did hit back moments later as Nani latched on to a through ball from Ronaldo and beat ex-Crystal Palace goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly at his near post.

Dzsudzsak restored Hungary’s lead only two minutes into the second half, as his 28-yard free kick deflected off Andre Gomes’ shoulder and evaded Patricio.

Hungary’s advantage did not last long though, as Ronaldo equalised only minutes later and became the first player to score in four European Championships.

Mario’s cross found the ex-Manchester United attacker, and his fantastic backheeled effort beat Kiraly and nestled in the bottom corner.

After 55 minutes, another deflected shot from Dzsudzsak restored Hungary’s lead but, once again, Fernando Santos’ side levelled the scores as Ronaldo headed a Ricardo Quaresma cross home just past the hour mark.

Elek nearly scored Hungary’s fourth a minute later, as he struck the post, but both sides had to settle for a point.

Ronaldo became the first player to score at four European Championship finals – Photo: Presse Sports / Offside.

Man of the Match: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Many expected Portugal’s skipper to be the star of the tournament, but it took longer than expected for the Real Madrid star to put his stamp on the tournament. In Portugal’s first two Euro 2016 group matches, Ronaldo has struggled to impress, and he missed a penalty against Austria in his last outing. But he finally showed his brilliance shortly before half time as his fantastic through ball allowed former Manchester United team-mate Nani to equalise. Ronaldo then showed his best early in the second half as he scored twice – including a superb backheeled half volley.

What’s Next?

Portugal will face either Croatia or Germany after securing third in Group F. They will advance as one of the best third-placed teams in the tournament. Having finished top of the group, Hungary will travel to Toulouse to face the runners-up of Group E in the Round of 16 on Sunday.