#4 vs Austria, 18th June 2016
The UEFA Euro 2016 witnessed Portugal finally end their long wait for a major trophy when they beat the hosts France in the final. But at one stage of the tournament, it was doubtful if Portugal would even make it past the group stages as they drew their first two games.
At that stage of the competition, a few eyebrows were raised over Portugal’s captain and talisman. With the team struggling to create much from open play, Cristiano Ronaldo as he blew the chance to collect all three points against Austria when the 31-year-old couldn’t convert a spot-kick which was awarded when Austria defender Martin Hinteregger fouled him inside the box.
Ronaldo, who was making a record breaking 128th appearance for his country in that game, saw his attempt hit the left-hand post and that was Ronaldo’s fourth miss in his last five penalties for club and country.
The game finished 0-0 and it meant that Ronaldo and co. really needed to do their business in their clash against Hungary, which turned out to be an enthralling contest. Portugal came back from behind thrice to salvage a crucial point to advance to the knockout phase and it was Ronaldo’s brace that helped Portugal qualify for the last 16 of the tournament.
