Group F in the Euro 2020 competition was labeled by football intellectuals as the group of death, where Germany, Portugal, France and Hungary were completely found here.
Wednesday June 24 was the day for the big game between European champions Portugal and World Champions France in the decider with regards to who fits the bill to the round of 16 of the competition.
Cristiano Ronaldo dispatched twice from the penalty spot – in an evening of individual records – to counteract Karim Benzema’s brace and guarantee Portugal progressed to the round of 16 alongside Group F champs France.
France had effectively affirmed their last-16 spot ahead of the 2016 final repeat, however in more noteworthy need of points, Portugal – straight from a 4-2 loss to Germany – couldn’t bear the cost of another loss.
In a cagey opening, Ronaldo tracked several early half possibilities and it wasn’t well before the Portuguese captain was on the scoresheet after Hugo Lloris felled Danilo, strutting up to the penalty spot to pound in on 31 minutes – his first ever goal against Les Bleus.
EURO’s: Germany Are Now Secured After Beating Portugal
Sitting deep, Portugal looked comfortable. However, on the stroke of half-time, France struck back. Sent to ground in the Portuguese box, Kylian Mbappé won the second spot kick of the match; Benzema converted with aplomb.
France looked to have turned the game around shortly after the restart, as Benzema squeezed in from Paul Pogba’s impeccable through ball.
With Hungary ahead in Munich, Portugal were heading out until Jules Koundé handled the ball inside the area and Ronaldo inevitably fired his side back on terms – extending his EURO all-time scoring record to 14, as well as equalling Ali Daei’s all-time international world record of 109 goals.
As the last whistle lingered, Fernando Santos’ side oversaw stick on to advance with France to the EURO 2020 round of 16 as one of the four best third-place teams.
France’s Karim Benzema was named Star of the Match- – For his two first goals at EURO and for the great movement on the second goal.
