One half of Group F’s Matchday 3 fixtures produced the highest scoring game in Euro 2016 so far, as Hungary and Portugal played out a highly entertaining 3-3 draw.
Pressure was on the Portugese side as they needed a positive result to stand a chance of qualifying from the group stages, and they controlled possession from the start but couldn’t convert their chances into a goal. Hungary looked more dangerous going forward and they took the lead after Zoltan Gera chested a headed clearance before firing a low left-footed strike to the bottom corner. Luis Nani then drew Portugal level 3 minutes before half-time, latching onto Cristiano Ronaldo’s weighted pass and slotting first-time past Gabor Kiraly’s near-post.
The 2nd 45 minutes began in a pulsating manner with Hungary regaining their lead, lost it and took the lead again in the space of just 8 minutes! Balazs Dzsudzsak scored a brace via two deflected strikes, the first from a free kick, and Ronaldo flicked Joao Mario’s cross to the bottom corner in between those Hungarian goals. He clearly looked like a frustrated figure but he restored parity again with a free header, connecting with Ricardo Quaresma’s cross.
It was a commanding effort from Fernando Santos’ side to pick themselves up after trailing thrice, but it wasn’t enough to claim all 3 points. It won’t matter as both sides qualified for the knockout-stage with Hungary topping the group.
Here are the top 3 players in the 6-goal thriller:
Balazs Dzsudzsak
The Hungarian skipper couldn’t believe his luck as he bagged a brace with two wickedly deflected shots. He would have prefer his side to hang on for the win but he shouldn’t be discouraged either with a performance worthy of a national captain.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Fans and commentators alike lost count of the amount of unfruitful free kicks took by the Portugese star winger, but he silenced his critics from open play by bagging an assist and two goals. He clearly demonstrated the top quality that he possessed with his improvised flick after Mario’s cross was an inch behind him. Ronaldo then scored a trademark header to earn his side a draw.
Gergo Lovrencsics
The left-winger was to be relied upon as one of the attacking outlets for Hungary, but it was his defensive showing that earned him a spot here. He helped out his defensive peers effectively with his constant track backs to frustrate Portugal throughout the first half.
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