xtratime Logo

[caption id="attachment_16142" align="alignnone" width="580"] Cristiano Ronaldo in training ahead of Hungary tie. Twitter[/caption] Internet Desk: A severely under performing Portugal side play surprise package Hungary on Wednesday night in what is a must-win game for the Iberian nation.

Cristiano Ronaldo looks like he is having another major tournament to forget, having forgotten his shooting boots in Madrid. The talismanic forward has missed golden chances in both games against Iceland and Austria, and had he scored, Portugal would have had a vital win.

Many expected Portugal to waltz through a seemingly easy group, but their performances have been uninspiring.

As it stands, they are in 3rd place in the group with two points. Which makes their final group-stage game a vital one and while they are expected to beat Hungary, nothing can be taken for granted at the Euros.

Manager Fernando Santos is likely to drop Ricardo Quaresma from the starting line-up as his side continue to play an unorthodox 4-4-2 formation. They have no injury worries or suspensions as they look to book their place in the last 16.

Cristiano Ronaldo needs to get himself out of the funk he is in right now. For if he can’t, yet another major tournament for Portugal will end prematurely. It may sound tough, but CR7 is one player who can lift the Iberian nation into the knockouts.

Pepe has been playing quite well, regardless of his customary antics. He will be happy with two back to back clean sheets, and will back himself to get a hat-trick of those.

William Carvalho was tidy against Austria, lending some much needed steel to the Portuguese midfield. He should get the nod again, and the Sporting Lisbon youngster will keep the ball moving in the right areas throughout the game.