Hungary 0-3 Portugal: 5 Talking Points as Cristiano Ronaldo takes center stage for reigning champions | UEFA Euro 2020

Hungary v Portugal - UEFA Euro 2020: Group F
Hungary v Portugal - UEFA Euro 2020: Group F

#3 Hungary will feel hard done by the scoreline

Hungary v Portugal - UEFA Euro 2020: Group F
Hungary v Portugal - UEFA Euro 2020: Group F

While Portugal dominated the first half and created a flurry of chances, they were unable to put the ball into the back of the net despite their best efforts. The reigning European champions were guilty of making a few wrong decisions in the final third, but Hungary defended well and grew into the game gradually.

The home side threatened to break the deadlock in the second half and even had the ball in the back of the net, but their happiness was shortlived, as it was ruled out for offside. They defended deep and worked their socks off, so it's only natural that their tired legs began to show late in the game.

Portugal took advantage of the situation and punished them emphatically with three late goals, as Cristiano Ronaldo emerged as the matchwinner on the night. Over the course of the 90 minutes, Hungary performed admirably and some would even argue that they deserved a point after their spirited showing.


#2 Intriguing battle between Ruben Dias and Adam Szalai

Hungary v Portugal - UEFA Euro 2020: Group F
Hungary v Portugal - UEFA Euro 2020: Group F

Ruben Dias is widely regarded as the best central defender in world football at the moment and is coming on the back of a stunning season with Manchester City, having been named FWA and Premier League Player of the Season. The Portuguese defender started alongside Pepe at the heart of the Portugal backline, as he looked set to take his good form into Euro 2020.

While he started the game well, Hungary grew into the game and caused him a lot of problems. Adam Szalai, in particular, seemed to be getting the better of him, while Freiburg striker Roland Sallai also gave him a run for his money on the night.

Szalai didn't get his name on the scoresheet and Dias ended up on the winning team, but it could be argued that the 33-year-old got into the central defender's head, who looked a bit out of sorts coming up against a target man.


#1 Portugal's attack looked disjointed on the night

Hungary v Portugal - UEFA Euro 2020: Group F
Hungary v Portugal - UEFA Euro 2020: Group F

Portugal might have won 3-0 on the night, but they flattered to deceive over the course of the 90 minutes. Starting with Cristiano Ronaldo, Diogo Jota and Bernardo Silva up front with Bruno Fernandes also joining in as a fourth attacker, the reigning European champions looked like they could cause some serious damage.

Jota looked lively, but his finishing let him down and he was guilty of being selfish at times, while the likes of Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes failed to perform to the best of their capabilities.

Cristiano Ronaldo, too, looked a bit flustered for most of the game, but the Portugal captain scored a late brace to emerge as the matchwinner. Fernando Santos will know that his team didn't really deserve to win 3-0 on the night, with Hungary giving them a run for their money for the lion's share of the game.

Rafa Silva came on for Jota late in the game and made a positive impact, so the Portugal manager might even be tempted to tinker with his forward line for the game against Germany.


Also Read: Jim Beglin column - 5 players who could impress in unfamiliar positions

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