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Hungary national football team
European Championship | Group Stage
Jun 22, 2016 at 5pm UK
 
Portugal national football team

3-3

Gera (19'), Dzsudzsak (47', 55')
FT(HT: 1-1)
Nani (42'), Ronaldo (50', 62')

Live Commentary: Hungary 3-3 Portugal - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live coverage of the back-and-forth 3-3 draw between Hungary and Portugal at Euro 2016.
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Portugal have earned a place in the knockout stages of Euro 2016 but only after they fought back on three occasions to earn a 3-3 draw with Hungary.

Zoltan Gera gave Hungary an early lead before Nani equalised just before half time, but both teams went on the attack in the second half in what turned out to be the most entertaining fixture of the tournament so far.

Balazs Dzsudzsak twice found the back of the net with long-range strikes but Cristiano Ronaldo provided Portugal's response on both occasions, leaving Hungary to top Group F and Portugal to advance as one of the best third-place sides.

Read below to see how the action unfolded in Lyon.


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Hello, and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the Euro 2016 fixture in Group F between Hungary and Portugal.

When this game was scheduled for the last fixture for both sides, it was anticipated that one team would only require a point to finish in a top-two position or even win the group. However, while that remains the case, it is Hungary - not Portugal - who find themselves already assured of a place in the last 16 and needing a draw to guarantee a place above today's opponents.

Portugal - on the other hand - know that only three points will ensure that they earn a place in the last 16 and potentially top spot in Group F with it too, although a point may be enough to finish in second position. However, expect Fernando Santos and his side to be driven to achieve victory given what transpired yesterday with Spain falling into the bottom half of the draw which includes France, Germany, Spain, Italy and England. Portugal could have to play three of those sides in succession if they lose this evening so they have every reason to push hard for success in Lyon.

Without further ado, let's take a look at the two teams, starting with Hungary.

HUNGARY XI: Kiraly, Lang, Juhasz, Guzmics, Korhut, Pinter, Elek, Lovrencsics, Gera, Dzsudzsak, Szalai

PORTUGAL XI: Rui Patricio, Vieirinha, Pepe, Carvalho, Eliseu, William Carvalho, Joao Mario, Moutinho, Andre Gomes, Nani, Ronaldo

First of all, let's take a look at Portugal who, as expected, exclude Raphael Guerreiro from the starting lineup as he continues to recover from a thigh injury. There had also been doubts over the fitness of midfielder Andre Gomes but despite training away from the group yesterday, Santos takes a risk on him. Benfica man Eliseu is the player to come in for Guerreiro.

As for Hungary, Adam Szalai is recalled to the team after missing out against Iceland. He has taken the place of former Watford and Ipswich Town forward Tamas Priskin. Laszlo Kleinheisler also finds himself on the substitutes' bench, despite impressing at the weekend. There is also a change at left-back with Tamas Kadar dropping out for Mihaly Korhut.

You are probably already aware but the result of this game will play a hugely significant part in who England play in the second round. As it stands, Iceland are in second place and will face the Three Lions and that will likely remain the case if Hungary can win in Lyon. However, a Portugal victory will see Hungary drop to at least second place and that's likely what any England supporter will be hoping for. It's not often that we have to get behind our tournament nemesis Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo but that's most definitely the case today.

For England to face Portugal, both Portugal and Iceland will have to draw with Portugal featuring in a higher-scoring game. I think that's the case anyway. Don't judge me if I am wrong because it's that tight in Group F that even disciplinary records could come into play. We'll address that scenario if and when we come to it...

We've already touched upon the third-place scenario but it's a complicated process. In short, both Portugal and Iceland are guaranteed a place in the last 16 if they can avoid defeat because that would take them above both Turkey and Albania on goal difference in the 'third-place' standings. It's all or nothing for Austria though, who must win to progress through to the last 16. I think it's best we just leave all the permutations until both matches get underway now. This is exactly the kind of situation (or confusion) that they desired when they made this tournament a 24-team competition.

Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly will be competing in his 106th game for his senior national side today. It's fair to say that he has attracted quite the following, as this picture shows...



HEAD TO HEAD! There have been 10 previous meetings between Portugal and Hungary and Portugal are yet to lose. They have registered seven wins and three draws with the most recent clash coming seven years ago when they won 3-0 during the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup. Hungary have improved since then, however, and it has been a long time since they were matched this evenly with today's opponents.

One of the biggest talking points of this tournament has been the lack of goals from Ronaldo. He's been denied by a couple of excellent saves from the goalkeeper but he has largely mis-fired and in some situations, almost been too eager to find the back of the net. He also hit the back pages for his missed spot kick against Hungary. He beat the goalkeeper but struck the post and that's the way his luck has been so far at this tournament. We don't expect it to last too much longer though and it wouldn't come as a huge surprise if he was back on the scoresheet in Lyon.

As we know, Hungary are top of Group F but they did not produce the same level of performance from their opening game when they faced Iceland on Saturday. They dominated possession and had plenty of openings but they were left grateful for an own goal two minutes from time. Their lack of goal threat was partly down to Iceland's tactics but they will hope to get back to the free-flowing football they were playing against Austria with Portugal expected to place more emphasis on attack. To some extent, they will have to be reserved in their forward-play but playing on the break may suit them if Portugal cannot find an early goal.

PREDICTION! Hungary are the form side but we have to back Portugal for the three points. Their previous results have not come from a lack of effort in the final third and sooner rather than later, they are going to find their scoring boots. Portugal to come through with a 2-0 victory.

The two teams have made their way out in Lyon. It's fair to say that Ronaldo and co look up for it! I have a hunch that we will see a different Portugal today. I'm sure the rest of England hope I am right!

Portugal get us underway. There's a vibrant atmosphere inside the stadium, although I'm not sure which nation have the most supporters in attendance.

Portugal waste no time in winning their first corner of the contest but it's easily cleared. Moments later, a long ball found Nani but the winger couldn't bring down the pass and Kiraly was able to claim.

SHOT! Ronaldo receives possession on the left flank and he is cynically sent to the ground by a Hungarian defender. It's an opportunity to get the ball into the penalty area but it's another poor delivery. Joao Mario gets a shot in from the edge of the penalty area after Hungary clear but his volley goes over the bar.

Hungary aren't going to sit back in this match. A cross from Dzsudzsák is superb and on its way to Szalai but Pepe stretches at the last moment to head the ball behind for a corner. It comes to nothing but a Hungarian player should have tested Patricio. He completely missed the ball when attempting a header.

CHANCE! It's been a very lively start but we are yet to see our first clear-cut chance. Portugal have already had three corners without finding their own man. After it was cleared, a cross found Nani but he sent his header over.

BOOKING! Well that's the easiest yellow card that Martin Atkinson will give out today. Nani tries to get down the side of the penalty area but he is taken out by Guzmics.

A cross from Vieirinha almost finds Ronaldo but the defender gets across to head the ball behind for a corner. Portugal have had five or six already but so far, they haven't come close to setting up an effort on goal.

GOAL! Hungary 1-0 Portugal (Gera)

Oh my word, what a strike from Zoltan Gera! He didn't learn that at West Brom or Fulham. Ronaldo and a teammate can only get the ball to the edge of the penalty area and Gera takes full advantage with a 25-yard half-volley that flies into the bottom corner.

GOAL FLASH! There has been a goal in the other game too and it is Iceland who have taken the lead against Austria!

SHOT! Hungary nearly score a second! Szalai does his Ronaldo impression and shows his skills on the flank and the ball eventually finds it way through to Elek inside the penalty area. However, as Portugal called for offside, the midfielder forces a solid save out of Patricio.

BOOKING! Another booking for a Hungarian defender and this time it's for Juhasz, who barged into the back of Gomes. From the resulting free kick, Ronaldo hit the target from all of 35 yards but Kiraly was able to push the shot wide.

We are half-an-hour through this match and it hasn't gone the way that most of us thought it would. As it stands, Portugal are heading out of the competition but there's still plenty of time to go.

The Hungarian supporters are shouting 'ole!' - I think it's a bit soon for that! They are enjoying a lot more possession though and Portugal are second best now. However, another Hungary player has been yellow carded with Gera pulling down Gomes.

SHOT! Ronaldo gets another chance to shoot from long range but his free kick goes high and wide. For all of his ability, even that was ambitious by Ronaldo's standards.

UPDATE! In the other game, Austria have just missed a penalty. How costly could that be? Remember, they need a win to get through to the last 16.

Portugal have the ball in the net but it has been disallowed. A cross from Ronaldo found Pepe at the back post and his cut-back was converted by Eliseu. However, the centre-back was correctly adjudged offside.

GOAL! Hungary 1-1 Portugal (Nani)

It's game on in Lyon! Portugal have been poor since the goal but quick-thinking from Ronaldo releases Nani in behind the Hungary defence and his low drive from 10 yards beats Kiraly at the near post. The veteran stopper should have done better there.

Portugal are finishing this half strongly with Gomes the next to try his luck. However, while the ball is well-struck, it's straight at Kiraly. There will be one minute of added-on time.

HALF TIME: Hungary 1-1 Portugal

The half-time whistle goes in Lyon and Hungary and Portugal are level at one apiece. It's probably a fair scoreline but Portugal had been relatively poor until Nani's goal just before the break. As it stands, both teams are going through to the last 16 but I have a feeling we will see more goals.

The players are back out and there has been a chance for both sides with Renato Sanches and Barnabas Bese being introduced into the action. We are underway.

GOAL! Hungary 2-1 Portugal (Dzsudzsak)

Hungary have retaken the lead! After being awarded a free kick around 25 yards from goal, Dzsudzsak stepped up to send the set piece past Patricio. It took a deflection off Gomes but the skipper doesn't care.

GOAL! Hungary 2-2 Portugal (Ronaldo)

Cristiano Ronaldo has finally arrived at this tournament! Joao Mario delivers the cross for the Real Madrid star and he does the rest, flicking the ball between his legs from eight yards and into the far corner. Kiraly had no chance. What a match.

GOAL! Hungary 3-2 Portugal (Dzsudzsak)

WHAT IS GOING ON!!!???!!! Dzsudzsak gets another free kick and although it is blocked, he picks up the ball on the right flank. He bides his time before cutting inside onto his left foot and his deflected shot from 25 yards finds the far top corner. It's difficult to keep up with this match!

Shots are flying in left, right and centre. Moments after Joao Mario dragged a shot wide of the near post, Ronaldo sent an effort wide from 25 yards. He was a tad unfortunate not to win a free kick but the referee ignored the late challenge.

UPDATE! Austria have found an equaliser against Iceland. That could have ramifications for England's opponents in the last 16. If both matches now end in a draw, Portugal will play England in Nice.

GOAL! Hungary 3-3 Portugal (Ronaldo)

This match is insane. Portugal coach Santos throws on Ricardo Quaresma and with his first touch, he whips in a cross for Ronaldo to glance a header into the far corner.

WOODWORK! This game is end to end and Hungary almost take the lead for the fourth time in this match. A stunning cross from Dzsudzsak finds Szalai and although the forward makes sweet contact, his shot from 10 yards strikes the inside of the post and goes clear.

Portugal are continuing to surge forward at will but Hungary have stemmed the tide for now. I don't know about the two teams but I'm exhausted. This is undoubtedly the match of the tournament.

There's being a bit of a lull over the last few minutes. Are the two teams regaining their composure before launching a final assault during the last quarter-of-an-hour? As it stands, Portugal will be facing England next Monday.

CHANCE! For a moment, it appeared as though Ronaldo was going to nod in his third goal of the match but Nani's cross is marginally too high and his teammate can only glance the ball wide.

CHANCE! Quaresma has been a real live-wire since being introduced by his coach and his direct play almost leads to Ronaldo netting his hat-trick but his volley is fired into the ground and it clears the bar.

There are 10 minutes to go in Lyon. Portugal are very much in the ascendancy but the chances are beginning to dry up. Hungary look content with a point now.

It's starting to look like this game is going to end in a draw. Portugal are bossing possession but they aren't going out of their way to try to score a winning goal. Ronaldo just let fly from 30 yards but his effort went wide. England need Iceland or Austria to score in Paris or it's England against Portugal.

SHOT! Portugal win a free kick from 35 yards out and there's only one thing that is going to happen here. Ronaldo runs up and strikes the ball wide of Kiraly's goal. We are into added-on time. There will be three minutes.

Both teams have effectively given up trying to score. That will be that.

FULL TIME: Hungary 3-3 Portugal

The full-time whistle goes in Lyon and Hungary and Portugal has finished 3-3 but there has been drama in Paris - Iceland have scored a 94th-minute winner to beat Austria! What that means is that it will be England versus Iceland in the last 16 and Portugal have to make do with third place. Unbelievable.

That will be all from Sports Mole for this game but please stick around for all the action in Group E. It surely can't be as dramatic as these two games, can it? Goodbye for now.

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Cristiano Ronaldo during the Euro 2016 Group F game between Portugal and Iceland on June 14, 2016
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Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Germany Germany32107
Q Switzerland Switzerland31205
3 Hungary Hungary31023
4 Scotland flag Scotland30121

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Spain Spain33009
Q Italy Italy31114
3 Croatia Croatia30212
4 Albania national flag Albania30121

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
Q England flag England31205
Q Denmark Denmark30303
Q Slovenia Slovenia30303
4 Serbia Serbia30212

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Austria Austria32016
Q France France31205
Q Netherlands Netherlands31114
4 Poland Poland30121

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Romania Romania31114
Q Belgium Belgium31114
Q Slovakia Slovakia31114
4 Ukraine Ukraine31114

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Turkey Turkey32016
Q Georgia Georgia31114
4 Czech Republic Czech Republic30121


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