Portugal commence Euro 2020 campaign against Hungary in Budapest

The last five years has undoubtedly been the most successful period of Portugal’s history. Beating France in the final of Euro 2016 to land their first-ever major trophy was then followed by winning the inaugural Nations League on home soil.

And on Tuesday evening, after a year’s delay due to the coronavirus pandemic, Portugal will finally begin their Euro 2020 campaign.

Their qualifying campaign to this Summer’s multi-city tournament hadn’t been the most straightforward. Two draws in their opening matches and a defeat to the eventual group winners Ukraine left Fernando Santos’ side needing a win in their final game to automatically progress. But a 2-0 win in Luxembourg secured their place at the showpiece occasion.

Portugal’s main objective will be to retain their European crown, but first, they will need to get through their group. It has been regarded as the ‘group of death’ as they will face Germany, and the side they beat to win the Euros five year ago, France.

Regardless many are tipping the Portuguese to get out of this challenging group, whether that would be as one of the top two, or as one of the best third-placed teams. Despite Joao Cancelo having to withdraw from the 26 man-squad, after he tested positive for Covid-19, they still have a very promising squad and one that is arguably better than the side which won Euro 2016.

The squad includes The FWA’s Player of the Year, Ruben Dias, alongside his Manchester City teammate Bernardo Silva, Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerrero, as well as 18-year-old Nuno Mendes, who had a real breakthrough season. He won the League and Cup double with Sporting Lisbon and has made five appearances for the national team.

Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, who was involved in 45 goals for his side last season, is also part of the squad. Liverpool’s Diogo Jota, Lille’s Renato Sanches, Atletico Madrid’s youngster Joao Felix and Porto’s veteran centre-back Pepe are also in the 26-man team.

But of course, the man who will be spearheading Portugal’s frontline is their captain Cristiano Ronaldo. He has scored an exceptional 104 goals for his country, with 11 of those helping them qualify for this European Championship.

Ronaldo is now aged 36, and there is an argument this could be one of the last major tournaments he will feature in. But after scoring 41 times for club and country this year, there are no signs of the Juventus striker slowing down.

The Portuguese and Footballing legend has an opportunity to break many records at Euro 2020, including becoming the first player to feature at five European Championships and scoring the most goals in the history of the competition.

Before taking on the winners of the 2014 and 2018 World Cup’s respectively, Portugal face, on paper, their easiest opponents Hungary in Budapest, a game that Santos’ side will be desperate to win.

Hungary were beaten 2-0 by Wales in the final qualifying match, which meant they would have to settle for the play-offs, which they were guaranteed after a successful Nations League campaign which saw them win promotion from their ‘league’.

They defeated Bulgaria 3-1 in the first game, which set them up with a home tie against Iceland. The winners of the game at the Puskas Arena would be heading for the tournament.

But the home side had the worst possible start in their capital city of Budapest when keeper Peter Gulasci fumbled Everton man, Gylfi Sigurdsson’s free-kick into the net in the 11th minute.

It looked as if the nation, known for their supporters’ iconic Viking Clap and shocking everyone at Euro 2016 would be qualifying for the tournament. However, the game turned on its head in the 88th after Loic Nego equalised for the hosts.

Then in stoppage time, RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai picked up the ball and fired a shot from 25 yards out. His attempt found the bottom corner, which sent his side into ecstasy and ultimately through to Euro 2020.

Though, as mentioned, very little is expected for Hungary at this Summer’s European Championship, they will still hope to cause a few surprises. Though Szoboszlai will not feature due to an injury, his RB Leipzig teammates Gulasci and defender Will Orban are both in the squad. Leipzig finished second in the Bundesliga last season and kept 15 clean sheets in the division.

The two sides did meet in Euro 2016 in the final round of the group. Hungary led the game three times, however, an equaliser from Ronaldo meant the game finished a remarkable 3-3. It meant that the Hungarians would advance to the knockout stages as group winners, while Portugal would have to settle for third, going through as one of the best losers. Hungary were thrashed 4-0 by Belgium in the round of 16, while Portugal of course went onto win it.

Since that thrilling affair in Lyon, the pair have met in two World Cup Qualifiers back in 2017, in which Portugal won 3-0 and 1-0. Hungary has faced the Portuguese on 13 occasions and has yet to beat them, losing nine and drawing four. And Portugal will hope to extend that record when they meet in Budapest and get off to the perfect start in their group.

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