Portugal got their Euro 2020 campaign off to a perfect start with a 3-0 victory over Hungary in Budapest, but you would be hard pressed to find many who would not agree that the results line flattered Fernando Santos’ side.
Admitted to the “death squad” along with Germany and France, it was imperative that Portugal overcome an enthusiastic and stubborn Hungarian side – and even if they did in the end, it was not easy 90 minutes in front of a partisan Puskas Arena.
With six minutes left in the match, Portugal had not yet made the breakthrough. But Raphael Guerreiro’s goal set the stage for Cristiano Ronaldo to become the leading scorer in European Championship history, and there will now be confidence on the way into a crunch match against Germany.
They lost to France 1-0 in their opening game in the group stage, which means that Joachim Low’s side should strike to blow Group F wide open. Here, 90min predicts the Portuguese side whose task it is to take them down.
Raphael Guerreiro opened Portugal against Hungary / Alex Pantling / Getty Images
Rui Patricio (GK) – The experienced stopper approaches 100 international matches for his country and is usually a reliable artist in big games.
Nelson Semedo (RB) – His ability to move forward often sees him shoot high up on the pitch and overlap each other to the right. Good cross-ability is mixed with a temporary loss of defensive concentration.
Pepe (CB) – Always comfortable with the ball at his feet and proved against Hungary that he can still handle it physically.
Ruben Dias (CB) – Portugal’s best defender showed calm and understanding for the match against Hungary which saw him named the football writers’ association of the year.
Raphael Guerreiro (LB) – Scored the most important opener against Hungary on Tuesday, and is now an initial start with Joao Cancelo excluded from the tournament after a positive COVID test.
Danilo marched Portugal’s midfield brilliantly under their opener / ATTILA KISBENEDEK / Getty Images
Danilo (CM) – Paris Saint-Germain midfielder provides an excellent screen for Portugal’s defense and often sweeps the danger. You get the feeling that he may be busy.
William Carvalho (CM) – Should probably offer more when they are in possession, but Carvalho and Danilo’s double line can make their more talented creative players flourish.
Bernardo Silva (RW) – Did not have the best season at home and was replaced by Hungary. That said, he has enough quality to be a difference maker every day.
Bruno Fernandes (AM) – Probably Portugal’s best player after Cristiano Ronaldo. A dead ball specialist who has the vision to unlock even the most stubborn defenses.Diogo Jota (LW) – Wasted a number of good opportunities in the opening but we have seen enough at club level to suggest that he only had one day off.
Cristiano Ronaldo became the competition’s leading scorer all the time on Tuesday / Alex Pantling / Getty Images
Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) – The tournament’s leading goal scorer through the ages is unclear and enjoys the big opportunity. This game is right up his alley.
