Portugal advance to Euro 2016 Round of 16 after thrilling 3-3 draw with Hungary

Portugal entered its final match of the group stage of Euro 2016 in a position opposite of the expectations going in.

The heavy favorite in what was speculated to be the easiest group in the competition, Portugal was unable to do better than a pair of draws against Iceland and Austria in its first two matches in Group F, making its matchup with group leaders Hungary crucial as opposed to the formality it was expected to be.

The disappointing early performance was spearheaded by Cristiano Ronaldo, the man that was expected to lead Portugal to its first ever major tournament win in the first ever 24-team European Championships.

Instead, Ronaldo had most of the blame put on him for his lackluster performances, which included 10 shots in both games and no goals to show for it, even hitting a late penalty against Austria into the far post.

With the weight of expectations from an entire nation on his shoulders, with the heavy criticism that followed him into the final match, the Real Madrid striker led his team with two goals and an assist in a 3-3 draw with Hungary that pushed Portugal into the Round of 16.

The night was historic for Ronaldo before another magical performance on a grand stage. After breaking Luis Figo’s all-time appearances record last match, Ronaldo became the player with most appearances at the European Championship finals with his 17th match in the competition in his 800th career match for club and country.

The table was set for a career-defining match for Ronaldo, but it was Hungary who struck first with a goal in the 19th minute from Zoltan Gera.

The former Fulham man ended the early fight for position with well-placed strike off the half volley to the far post just outside the reach of a diving Rui Patricio.

Needing a draw at the very least to play past the group stage, Portugal became increasingly nervy on the pitch in search of an equalizer. Hungary nearly doubled its lead five minutes after it opened the score when the Portuguese defense was more worried about getting an offside call rather than tracking back, forcing Patricio to make his first and perhaps most crucial save to keep the match within reach.

After attempting to take the team on his back like he had in the first two games for the opening 30 minutes against Hungary, Ronaldo finally changed to the role of distributor.

The result was an equalizer, as a slashing through-ball found Nani making a run and the Fenerbahce player beat Gabor Kiraly, famous for wearing his gray sweatpants, at the near post to tie the match at one just before halftime.

What ensued for the first 20 minutes after the whistle blew to start the second half was synonymous of what’s seen in a match of FIFA among mates.

First it was Balázs Dzsudzsák who scored off a free-kick, his strike deflecting off of Andre Gomes and past Patricio, who had stepped in the opposite direction and couldn’t shift momentum in time.

Three minutes later, Ronaldo became the first player to ever score in four different editions of the European Championships in brilliant fashion. The three-time Ballon D’or winner flicked in a candidate for Goal of the Tournament after a cross from Joao Mario came behind his body.

It took five minutes for the Hungarians to respond, with Dzsudzak earning a brace with his second goal. It came off another free-kick, only this time it was blocked by the wall but the follow up was again deflected in past Patricio. this time off of Nani’s outstretched leg.

Ronaldo was visibly upset after the goal, his frustration mounting for the second time on the day.

But rather than drop his arms, he pushed his head forward. Seconds after coming on, Ricardo Quaresma placed a perfect cross into the heart of the area with his first touch of the ball, and all Ronaldo had to do was power it into the back of the net.

A strike from Hungary moments after rattled the near post of Patricio’s goal, but that would be the last moment of danger in the match.

The final half-hour was uneventful in comparison to the two that came before it, neither team willing to extend itself and suffer a goal. Portuguese manager Fernando Santos took out Nani and put in Danilo, a defensive midfielder, creating a double pivot with William Carvalho at midfield to ensure it didn’t concede.

With the result, both sides were guaranteed through and Hungary was guaranteed first place. Portugal were destined for a second place finish with Iceland and Austria deadlocked at one with two minutes of extra time remaining. But as Austria pushed for the win and a spot in the Round of 16, Iceland buried it with a lightning quick counter-attack in the final minute to win the match 2-1 and take second place in Group F.

When all was said and done, Portugal finished in third place and will face Group D winners Croatia in the Round of 16, landing in the side of the bracket opposite of favorites France, Germany, Spain, Italy and England.

Hungary will face Belgium.
Follow Brian Fonseca @briannnnf on Twitter for updates on Euro 2016.