The Portuguese from the "group of death" start defending the title

The Portuguese start to defend the title of European champion - Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates open the competition against Hungary at the "Puskas Arena" in Budapest (18:XNUMX p.m.), and winning at the start is an obligation, given that this group includes two giants - Germany and France.

Portugal and Hungary played in the group five years ago at the Euro and it was a "to be or not to be" match for Fernando Santos' team. At that time, they were behind three times, but on the wings of Ronaldo, they got a point, went to the knockout stage as one of the four best third-placed teams. Later she won the title...

- It would be a big failure if - as current champions - we do not pass the group stage. But I don't think that will happen. The fans know that we will do our best to win. We are quality, dedicated and we believe that we are ready for the championship. We can play against any team - said Santosh.

The Portuguese have tied six matches without defeat, in the last 15 matches they have lost only once, and on Sunday they were struck by bad luck - the first choice at right back João Cancelo was positive in a repeated test for the coronavirus. Diogo Dalo was called instead, and Nelson Semedo will almost certainly be in the starting 11.

A big motive will be Ronaldo, who is chasing numerous records at the EP, the most important of which is certainly the one owned by Iranian Ali Daei. The legendary Daei hit the net 109 times and is the soccer player with the most goals in the national team jersey in the world. Ronaldo was accurate 104 times, and the match against the Hungarians is an ideal opportunity to improve that performance.

On the other hand, Hungary is playing a match in a major football competition for the first time at home. The "Puskas Arena" will be filled to the last seat, which will be an incentive for the "light cavalry" to try to surprise the favorite and extend the streak to 12 games without defeat.

- We will do our best. We know who we are playing against. Our feet are firmly on the ground, but no one can take away our right to dream. Now we want to make that dream come true, and I hope that it will happen during the Euros - said the coach of Hungary, Marko Rossi.

Probable lineups -

Hungary (3-5-2): Goulash - Fiola, Orban, At. Salai - Lovrenič, Kleinheisler, Nagy, Šefer, Hollander - R. Salai, Ad. Salai.

Portugal (4-3-3): Patricio - Semedo, Dias, Pepe, Guerreiro - Danilo, Carvalho, Fernandes - B. Silva, Ronaldo, Jota.