Portugal occupied every position in Group F at various stages of an epic contest in Budapest. At the precise moment Cristiano Ronaldo faced Hugo Lloris for the second time from the penalty spot, the European champions were out of the Euros. He also had the small matter of equalling the all-time international goalscoring record set by Iran’s Ali Daei at his feet. The weight of history, and of responsibility, does not faze a legend. Ronaldo swept home goal 109 and Portugal through.
France also had a two-goal inspiration in Karim Benzema, who silenced the debate over his importance to Didier Deschamps’ team with a commanding performance. The Real Madrid forward struck his first goals for France since his international exile ended after almost six years and, while the world champions have yet to truly hit their stride, a first-place finish in this group does not represent a shabby start.
Written by Andy Hunter at Puskas Arena
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jun/23/portugal-france-euro-2020-match-report under the title “Ronaldo’s penalties take Portugal through after thrilling draw with France”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
