Portugal begins their title defense for the Euros 2020 in succession this summer as they take on Hungary in the Group F clash. The match schedules for Tuesday in Budapest, with kickoff at 7 pm.
A selecao for the Portuguese side will need more than a good start in the group stages. Fernando Torres’s side will not be taking their fete with Hungary on a small scale.
Hungary is new entrants for Euros 2020 after making the competition back in Euros 2016. However, their history is vibrant after completing the 1964 Euros and a fourth finish in the 1972 event.
Hungary earned their spot in Group after a dramatic playoff while managing to dump Bulgaria and Iceland. 20-year-old sensation Dominik Szoboszlai netted the last-minute winner, but unfortunately, injury rules him out for the rest of the competition.
On the other hand, Portugal fans will relive the emotional trainwreck in their Euros 2016 bid for the competition. The match ended in a 1-0 win during the extra time after an effort from Eder. Predominantly in the ‘Group of Death,’ there is much going on for Fernando Torres.
Furthermore, the Iberian nation will have to prepare for a trip to Munich to take on Germany. Moreover, another trip to Budapest to take on France on June 23. A Selecao remains the main agenda ahead of the kickoff.
Hungary vs. Portugal Head to Head
Both sides have five games against each other, with Hungary taking no-win while Portugal with four wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Hungary 0-0 Ireland
- Hungary 1-0 Cyprus
- Andorra 1-4 Hungary
- San Marino 0-3 Hungary
- Hungary 3-3 Poland
Away
- Portugal 4-0 Israel
- Spain 0-0 Portugal
- Luxembourg 1-3 Portugal
- Serbia 2-2 Portugal
- Portugal 1-0 Azerbaijan
Hungary Team News
A major blow for the hosts is the unavailability of attacker Dominik Szoboslai with injury. Secondly, another injury contender to miss out on the opening match is Zsolt Kalmar. A defensive pairing of Willi Orban and Attila Szalai is more formidable.
Portugal Team News
Diogo Jota and Bernado Silva will join Cristiano Ronaldo in attack while Bruno Fernandez is forming a deep position. There is a depth of options in the midfielder, but we expect a strong pairing of William Carvalho and Danilo Perreira. Nelson Semedo might slot in right back after Joao Cancelo tested positive for coronavirus.
Prediction and Odds
We envisage Ronaldo to guide their side to a successful opening match win, given their track record against the opponents.
- Portugal Win
- Goals Under 3.5
- Ronaldo to Score
