It’s time! Players of both teams are led out to the field from the tunnel by the match officials. And it’s time for national anthems – first up Portugal’s anthem, followed by hosts Hungary’s.
Here we go…Hungary get the ball rolling in Budapest. The hosts are in their all red jersey, while defending champions Portugal are in their away white jersey. Portugal building up their attack slowly with lots of possession in their opponent’s half. No box penetration yet.
Hungary coach Marco Rossi went for his usual 3-5-2 formation to try to stifle the holders and Ronaldo, looking to Andras Schafer to take the place of injured talisman Dominik Szoboszlai. Hosts Hungary are without forward Szoboszlai after the RB Leipzig man was ruled out of the tournament through injury. Adam Szalai, who has scored 23 international goals, leads the line.
Diogo Jota and Bernardo Silva have been named in Portugal’s front three alongside captain Cristiano Ronaldo for the holders’ opening match of Euro 2020 against Hungary in Budapest on Tuesday. Coach Fernando Santos opted for Liverpool forward Jota and Manchester City’s Silva ahead of Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix for the Group F game.
Bruno Fernandes starts in midfield, with Wolverhampton Wanderers pair Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves, along with Lille’s Ligue 1 title-winner Renato Sanches, settling for places on the bench. The 38-year-old Pepe got the nod to partner Ruben Dias at centre-back ahead of Jose Fonte, while Rui Patricio remains the number one with Anthony Lopes a substitute.
Hungary fans show their support prior to the UEFA Euro 2020 Group F match between Hungary and Portugal at Puskas Arena on June 15, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. Cristiano Ronaldo is making European Championship history tonight as he becomes the first ever player to appear in the tournament five times.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s record breaking penalty goal. ???pic.twitter.com/8dgrZfPjhh
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) June 15, 2021