Portugal’s Ronaldo had a frustrating day
Photo: Ali Gilmore (Prost Amerika)
Lehet hogy ez a csoport konnyebb mint ahogy gondoltunk in case you were wondering is Hungarian for ‘this group might be easier than we thought’.
Hungarians could well be saying that in Budapest bars after the Magyars emerged as the big winners on the opening day of Group F action. Perhaps the weakest of the six groups, many eyes had been focused on ultra minnows Iceland’s first appearance on the big stage.
They had a day about which they could well write more of the lengthy sagas for which their nation is famous. Birkir Bjarnason put his name in folklore after equalising for the Icelanders in 51 minutes when he was startlingly left alone and unmarked 8 yards from the Portuguese goal.
Nani had scored from a cross by Valencia’s André Gomes in the 32nd minute after the Icelandic defenders momentarily switched off. Portugal dominated first half possession by 63-37% and Iceland did not help themselves by weak set pieces, an area where they were supposed to excel.
However Iceland kept their nerve and stuck to their gameplan. They struck when they got the chance and defended resolutely afterwards to turn this group on its head, and leave Portugal facing another embarrassing group stage exit unless they improve.
Earlier in the day, Hungary upset Austria 2-0. The Austrians had qualified with nine wins and a draw but ended up two goals and a man down, on a day where very little went right for them.
Adam Szalai scored the opener for Hungary just after the hour mark. Austria’s task then became tougher when they had the ball in the net but the referee called a foul against Aleksander Dragovic for sliding into Tamás Kádár. Dragovic was already on a yellow and his second became a red. Rather then being level, Austrian were both a goal and a man down.
Zoltán Stieber added a classy second as stoppage approached, after a passing move that will be the envy of many sides.
Iceland face Hungary next on June 18 when Portugal will face a downcast Austria.
EURO 2016
