Hungary-Portugal: in 2016, the match that changed everything for the future European champions

From Euro 2016, all fans remember the post of Gignac or the decisive goal of the unknown Eder in the final.

But the course of the European champion Portugal was well forged in its third and last group match against Hungary (3-3).

Five years later, the two nations meet this Tuesday in Budapest to open their Euro 2021. The opportunity to look back on this spectacular meeting which changed everything for Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates.

Portugal is in Group F alongside Austria, Iceland and therefore Hungary.

Before the last day, only Hungary won a match and the four selections can still reach the round of 16.

Portugal conceded two draws, against Iceland (1-1) then Austria (0-0) with a slew of missed opportunities, including a penalty, by their superstar.

So here we are on June 22, 2016, at Parc OL in Lyon for Hungary-Portugal.

The advantage of group F is to play second to last (at 6 p.m. while group E at 9 p.m.).

Portugal therefore knows the conditions to qualify: a victory or a draw.

This second option ensures them, at worst, to enter the best third.

And let's go for a crazy scenario!

🇵🇹 1⃣5⃣4⃣ GAMES

🇵🇹 8⃣5⃣ GOALS #OnThisDay in 2003, # EURO2016 winner @Cristiano Ronaldo made his senior debut for @selecaoportugal ...

Is THIS his most memorable international goal?

👌 pic.twitter.com/Yfc2cE9mjE

- UEFA EURO 2020 (@ EURO2020) August 20, 2018

Led three times, the Portuguese hang on thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo (doubled + assist for Nani).

3-3 between the two teams and we only play the 62nd minute.

Then comes into play a calculation barely feigned by Hungary and Portugal.

A paid calculation

Because, at the same time, the result of Iceland-Austria does not change anything for the qualification. This draw allows Hungary to win this group and Portugal to escape a somewhat shameful elimination. Last condition, the Portuguese know that by beating Hungary, they would inherit first place in the group to play… Belgium in the round of 16. But with such a prolific draw, they are heading straight for England and a hyper competitive part of the table (France, Germany, England, Italy, Spain…). At the same time, an Icelandic goal in the 94th minute against Austria redistributed the cards: Portugal finally finished third in their group and switched the table.

The round of 16 does not promise to be easy since it will be necessary to face the Croatia of Luka Modric, who has just beaten Spain. But the rest of the picture is much less significant (Poland, Wales, Switzerland, Northern Ireland, Hungary…). The initial “calculation”, although not recognized by Portuguese coach Fernando Santos, is paying off. Portugal's course will not be a long quiet river, however: an overtime against Croatia (1-0 ap), a penalty shoot-out against Poland (1-1 ap, 5-3 tab) before a half -final more controlled against Wales (2-0) and this memorable final against the French.