Portugal are in hot water after draws in their first two matches. The Portuguese need to win and find the back of the net if they are to make their way to the knockout phase of Euro 2016. Meanwhile, Hungary are in a strong position in the group with four points, they’ll most likely take the top spot in the group as long as they avoid a loss to Portugal.
It’s going to be an electric affair with a desperate Portugal side aiming to make the knockout stage. Read on as we take a look at this thrilling matchup. For more Euro 2016 action, check out our complete previews for Sweden vs. Belgium and Italy vs. Republic of Ireland.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has to take a deep breath and get his boot red hot to score goals aplenty. Portugal are still winless through Euro 2016, and have scored just one goal in a 1-1 draw against Iceland. It’s been very frustrating for Portugal, especially considering that they’ve been dominant on the pitch. Ronaldo, for instance, now has 20 shots through the first two matches but is yet to find the back of the net. He even missed a penalty against Austria.
But even if Ronaldo struggles once again, don’t overlook his other teammates. Vice-captain Nani has the second-most international goals (18) on the team. He was the one who opened the scoring against Iceland in the Seleccao’s tournament opener. Even defender Bruno Alves could have an opportunistic strike as the only other player on the team with double digit goals (10).
The only concern would be Portugal’s expected aggressiveness. They know they have to score and win to strengthen their shot at making the knockout phase. However, over-aggressiveness could also lead to mistakes and plenty of opportunities for a good counter-attacking team in Hungary.
Portugal have won their last three matches against Hungary across all competitions.
Hungary are already assured of a spot in the knockout phase; the only thing hanging in the balance is their spot atop Group F. Winning the group is paramount for Nemzeti Tizenegy in order to get a favorable bracket in the next stage of the tournament. If they lose their spot, they could be relegated to the bottom half of the draw along with the likes of powerhouses Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
Hungary have been incredibly disciplined with their defense in this tournament. They’ve allowed only one goal (on a penalty against Iceland) through the first two matches. The Hungarians also showed that they could find the back of the net after opening their run with a 2-0 win against dark horse contenders Austria. Adam Szalai and Zoltan Stieber each netted a goal in that victory.
The Nemzeti Tizenegy most likely take a very conservative approach in this match. They’ll focus on attacking on the break should Portugal keep misfiring. A scoreless draw may be enough to help them win the group considering that they have the best goal-differential among their three group mates. Their closest competitors, Iceland, aren’t well-equipped to score buckets-load of goals even against bottom-feeders Austria in the other Group F match.
Writer’s Prediction
Hungary’s defensive prowess coupled with Portugal’s inability to score has the match ending in a draw (+315).
