Preview: Hungary vs Portugal
In a thrilling UEFA Euro 2020 Group F opener, Hungary aims to continue their unbeaten streak as they face the formidable reigning champions Portugal, with Cristiano Ronaldo on the brink of breaking the all-time international goal-scoring record, at Budapest's Ferenc Puskás Stadium.
Hungary
Hungary remains unbeaten in six games (WDWWWD) across all international competitions, and they will be making their debut appearance at Euro 2020 following a goalless draw against Ireland. Before that draw, Hungary secured a 1-0 victory against Cyprus in another international friendly match.
Marco Rossi, Hungary's national team coach, has a record of 15 wins, 5 draws, and 9 losses in 29 appearances since taking charge on January 19, 2018. The 56-year-old Italian knows his side faces a challenging group, which includes three-time Euro champions Germany (1972, 1980, 1996), two-time European Championship winners France (1984, 2000), and 2016 European champions Portugal. A victory against Portugal on Tuesday would give Hungary a fantastic start.
The squad features players like Partizan's Filip Holender, Bristol City's Ádám Nagy, and SC Freiburg's Roland Sallai. Ádám Szalai from Mainz 05 has also been included. Known for their attacking style, Marco Rossi's team may opt for an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation on Tuesday.
Hungary’s best finish in the tournament was 3rd place, achieved in Euro 1964 after defeating Denmark 3-1 (A.E.T.) on June 20, 1964.
Portugal
In their most recent match on the 9th of June, Portugal dismantled Israel with a commanding 4-0 victory. Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes shone brightly, scoring a brace (42' & 90') and providing an assist for Cristiano Ronaldo's goal just before halftime (44'). Manchester City's Joao Cancelo also contributed with a goal in the 86th minute before the final whistle.
The Seleção enters this fixture unbeaten in six games across all international competitions: WWDWDW. Coach Fernando Santos has the luxury of calling upon experienced stars such as FC Porto's Pepe, Manchester City's Rúben Dias, and Liverpool's Diogo Jota. Experienced forwards João Félix of Atlético Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt's André Silva are also available for selection.
In his seven-year tenure as Portugal's coach, Fernando Santos has managed 84 games, achieving an impressive 62% win rate with 52 wins, 20 draws, and 12 losses. He led Portugal to victory at Euro 2016 and clinched the inaugural Nations League title three years later. For their upcoming fixture, the 66-year-old coach is expected to deploy an attacking 4-3-3 formation featuring Diogo Jota, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Bernardo Silva up front.
Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo is on a quest for records. As of now, with 104 international goals, he is tantalizingly close to becoming the world's leading international goal scorer, needing only six more goals to surpass Ali Daei's legendary record of 109 goals for Iran.
Team form
Showing the latest five games—giving you a quick look at recent performance trends. Teams in good form tend to do well in the next match.
Team Comparison
Side-by-side assessment of team statistics, including goals, attacks, and more. This allows you to directly compare key performance metrics. Analyzing these stats can reveal patterns and strengths that might influence the outcome.