Hungary will have a point to prove when they get their Euro campaign underway on home soil against Portugal.
Many have written off the Hungarians’ chances in Group F, where they are joined by Europe’s juggernauts in the form of their opponents, Portugal, as well as Germany and France.
With so much to prove, even without their star player in Dominik Szoboszlai, it remains to be seen whether Tuesday night’s hosts have what it takes to upset Portugal.
Euro 2020: Group F
Tuesday 15 June
Puskas Arena
18:00
To Win Match
Hungary 54/10
Draw 31/10
Portugal 5/10
Hungary
It’s unfortunate that Hungary have been pitted against Europe’s mightiest heavyweights, they’re really likeable and can certainly hold their own against any sort of opposition. Back in 2016, Hungary topped their group, above eventual winners Portugal, and, went the entire year unbeaten back in 2020, topping their group in the UEFA Nations League as well.
Marco Rossi will be without the man who single-handedly at times carried Hungary to the Euros in Dominik Szoboszlai. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder, now plying his trade for Leipzig, has had an injury-struck season and couldn’t shrug off his niggles in time to play a part in his nation’s quest to punch above their weight in Group F.
The onus will now be on Adam Szalai to get the goals up front, but you get the feeling that Leipzig duo Peter Gulacsi and Willi Orban will be key to Hungary’s chances. Gulacsi has had a stellar season in goal for the Bundesliga outfit, while Orban has provided excellent cover in central defence for his countryman. They, along with the rest of the Hungarian squad, will need to be on their A-game if they are to get something off Portugal here.
Portugal
All eyes will be on Portugal at the Euros. Their success at the last edition of this tournament coupled with their lifting of the Nations League title has catapulted the team into the spotlight.
On paper, Portugal have a much better squad now compared to the team that won the Euros back in 2016. Rui Patricio has made the number one position his own for many years now, moulding into one of Portugal’s greatest goalkeepers in recent history.
The centre-back pairing of Pepe and Ruben Dias also seems to be one of the most dogged units in Europe, which will give Joao Cancelo and Raphael Guerreiro license to roam up and down the flanks.
Much of the focus will be on Ronaldo in attack, but after the season Bruno Fernandes has had with Manchester United, you can’t bet against him being the man that the 2016 European champions rely on.
The Portuguese maestro has had a stellar spell at United, following up last season’s heroics with a 45-goal involvement in 58 games across all competitions for the Red Devils this past campaign.
Prediction: Portugal (5/10)
By no means will this be a walk in the park for Portugal, despite the world-class talent they have at their disposal. Hungary’s defence is rock-solid and will be more than familiar with each other, but in the end, quality will prevail. Portugal look decent value at 5/10, but I would suggest taking them to Win to Nil for more than double the price at 5/4.
