Portugal managed a hard earned spot in the last 16 after a 3-3 draw against the table topper Hungary in the Group F encounter in Lyon. Hungary started off to a conservative 4-2-3-1 formation whereas Portugal played with the same combination of 4-2-2.
The flurry of goals was started by Hungary’s attacking midfielder, Zoltan Gera when he slammed an immaculate half-volley past Rui Patricio and gave it a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute. The scores were levelled by Nani in the 42nd minute through a sublime pass created by Ronaldo.
The second half produced few electrifying moments as both teams were eyeing the top group spot. Hungary took the advantage immediately after the second half, making it 2-1 when its captain Balazs Dzsudzsak curled a free kick which deflected off Andre Gomes’ shoulder and went in.
Portugal’s only hope, its captain Cristiano Ronaldo equalised with a tidy finish from Joao Mario’s right-wing cross making it 2-2 in the 50th minute. Hungary did not stop attacking, as five minutes later, Dzsudzsak smashed a left-footer free-kick leading to another deflected goal making it 3-2.
The drama did not end as Ronaldo pulled off a stunning header making it 3-3 for Portugal (see picture) , securing a place in the last 16 where Fernando Santos’ men will face Croatia.
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