France and Portugal played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in Budapest as Didier Deschamps’ side secured top spot in Group F, while Portugal still qualified for the last 16 as one of four best third-place finishers.
On a dramatic night at Euro 2020, former Real Madrid team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo (30) and Karim Benzema (45+2) converted controversial penalties to leave the two sides locked at 1-1 at half time.
However, Benzema’s second of the night (47) – given after VAR had adjudged him to be onside – sent Portugal bottom of the group and crashing out of the tournament for a short while, before Ronaldo converted his second penalty (60) – his fifth goal of the tournament and 109th international goal – to keep his side’s Euro dreams alive.
Portugal, who occupied every single position in the group at certain times throughout the game, looked on course for a showdown with England at Wembley, but Germany’s late equaliser against Hungary secured them second spot, meaning Fernando Santos’ side will face Belgium in the last 16 on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the point sees France, who were already qualified for the last 16, secure top spot in the group and set up a tie with Switzerland.
More to follow…
Opta stats – History made on dramatic final day of group stage
- Portugal v France was the first game in the history of the European Championships to see three penalties scored (excluding shootouts).
- Portugal became the first team to score two penalties in a single European Championships game, while France became the first team to concede two in a Euros game. Indeed, Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score twice from the spot in a game at the European Championships.
- Portugal have conceded six goals in their last two games at the European Championships, as many as they conceded in their previous 11 games in the competition.
- France are unbeaten in each of their last 12 group stage games at major international tournaments (World Cup and Euros), winning seven and drawing five. Each of their last four MD3 group games in these major tournaments have ended level.
- There were 18 goals scored today across the four EURO 2020 matches – the most goals scored in a single day in European Championship history.
What’s next?
France will play Switzerland in the last 16 on Monday, June 28 (kick off 8pm).
Meanwhile, Portugal have set up a round-of-16 clash with Belgium on Sunday, June 27 (kick off 8pm).
read the full story about Draw sees France top as Portugal qualify in third
#theheadlines #breakingnews #headlinenews #newstoday #latestnews #aajtak #ndtv #timesofindia #indiannews
Leave a Reply