Xtra Time Web Desk: Defending champions Portugal started their EURO 2020 campaign with a bang as they thrashed Hungary 3-0 in their opening Group F encounter at Puskas Arena on Tuesday night. It was a 10 minutes blitz towards the end that saw Portugal scoring thrice in the first match of Group of Death. Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice (87’ & 90+2’) to become all time leading goal scorers (11 goals) in European Championship finals. The other goal was scored by Raphael Guerreiro in the 84th minute.
It was Portugal who dominated the proceedings from the start but failed to convert their chances, with Ronaldo, Diogo Jota and Bernardo Silva all guilty of squandering opportunities before the break. The hosts against the run of play almost took the lead as substitute Szabolcs Schon’s goal was ruled out for off side. In a desperate move to break the deadlock Portugal kept up the pressure resulting in a goal in the 84th minute when Raphael Guerreiro’s strike deflected of a defender to enter the back of the net.
The next six minutes it was all Cristiano Ronaldo show as he scored twice to become the leading goal scorer in European Championships, going past Michel Platini’s long-standing record of nine goals. He is also the top goal scorer for his country with 106 goals. Ronaldo also achieved the milestone of representing Portugal in 5 EURO final tournaments.
Portugal will next face Germany in Munich on Saturday.