Portugal 2-2 France: Hits and Flops as Portugal survive the group of death | UEFA Euro 2020

Portugal's talisman Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice from the spot to ensure Portugal advanced to round of 16 at Euro 2020.

It was a cagey affair to start with but Ronaldo broke the deadlock after Hugo Lloris came to try to punch a free-kick but caught Danilo in the face to give away a penalty.

The lead lasted for fifteen minutes as just before the stroke of half-time, Mbappe went down in the box rather easily, and it resulted in a soft penalty. He wasn't having the best of games but Karim Benzema dispatched the penalty with real authority to level this up for France.

Three minutes into the second half, Paul Pogba set up Karim Benzema beautifully and the striker fired the ball past Rui Patricio to score his team’s second goal. There was a VAR check but the goal stood.

Portugal were on the brink of elimination from Euro 2020 but up-stepped Cristiano Ronaldo like he always does. Jules Koundé handled the ball inside his box and Ronaldo slotted another penalty home to ensure his side's qualification.

The 'Group of Death' at Euro 2020 ended with France finishing at the top and Germany grabbing second place. Holders Portugal had their hearts in their mouths but survived the scare as they qualified as one of the third-placed teams.

There are some mouth-watering knockout fixtures coming our way but let us first take a look at the Hits and Flops from this game.

Euro 2020: Portugal vs. France Group F game - Hits and Flops

#5 Hit - Paul Pogba

Another Paul Pogba masterclass for his national team at Euro 2020

It is always interesting and exciting to see an in-form Paul Pogba razzle-dazzle in the midfield with his amazing range of skills. The Manchester United star had another masterclass performance where he showed-off his exceptional passing against the defending Euro champions.

There was purpose in everything Pogba did and even got a fabulous assist to his name when he set up Karim Benzema for his team's second goal. The 28-year old played another brilliant ball as well but wasn't finished by Kylian Mbappe.

Pogba's ball control and dribbling ability has been the French side's biggest weapon at Euro 2020 and he has been one of the best players in this tournament.

#4 Flop - Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe could not make a mark in this game at Euro 2020

Kylian Mbappe did not have much impact on the game, which was a bit unlike him. He had his moments but much more was expected from arguably France's best player in the squad.

Mbappe had a big part to play in his team's first goal when he went down inside the box to win a penalty, but the decision made was surely soft and went in his favor.

It is surprising how Mbappe hasn't scored yet at Euro 2020 but a lot of it goes to his finishing in front of goal. He was through on goal against the defending champions as well but made it fairly easy for Patricio while trying to curl it around him.

Didier Deschamps will hope the young superstar gets his first goal soon and boost France's chances of winning Euro 2020.

#3 Hit - Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal v France - UEFA Euro 2020: Group F

Whenever Portugal score, talisman Ronaldo is involved almost every time. Even against the world champions the 36-year old superstar edged his side in front from the penalty spot. That goal meant Cristiano became the first European in World Cup and Euros history to score a combined 20 goals across the two competitions.

Ronaldo wasn't done for the night. Koundé blocked a Ronaldo cross with his arm and Portugal were awarded another penalty. Ronaldo made no mistake from the spot and put his country level while also equalling the all-time international scoring record.

It was a big night for Portugal's #7 and his efforts made sure his country qualified for the knockout rounds. The defending champions aren't done yet at Euro 2020.

#2 Flop - Lucas Hernandez

A night to forget for Lucas Hernandez at Euro 2020

Lucas Hernandez had a night to forget in an all-important game for his country. The French left-back had trouble dealing with Bernardo Silva on the left flank and was even cautioned for a rash foul.

The 25-year old had zero clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles while he was on the pitch. He was replaced by Lucas Digne at half-time as Didier Deschamps looked to avoid any suspensions.

An injury to Lucas Digne means Hernandez will get a chance to prove himself against Switzerland in the round of 16 at Euro 2020.

#1 Hit - Karim Benzema

A brace for Karim Benzema at Euro 2020 vs. Portugal

After struggling so far in this Euro 2020 campaign and facing criticism, Karim Benzema responded to critics with two significant goals that helped his team top Group F.

Karim Benzema scored two goals in around five minutes, an equalizer towards the end of the first-half and the second early in the second-half, to put his team in control of the game.

Although the penalty was controversial and not the right call, it was dispatched with authority by the Real Madrid striker. The second goal was even better as Benzema made a smart run and fired in low off the far post.

France will be happy to see Benzema on the scoresheet just before the knockout rounds of Euro 2020. The 33-year old has found his form at the right time and will have a huge role to play in upcoming games.