5) Portugal were lucky to make it out of the group
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UEFA has faced a lot of criticism for the new expanded format despite which they have categorically stated that they will be sticking to it for the Euros to be held in 2020. However, one team that definitely will not have any issues with this format is Portugal.
Portugal, arguably, drew the easiest group as any to qualify from and because they were devoid of any big names. Stuck in a group with Hungary, Austria and Iceland, it is a wonder that the team finished third in Group F and managed to qualify only on a mere technicality after Iceland defeated Austria to provide some relief for Cristiano Ronaldo's team.
Third-placed teams would not even have qualified had it not been for the addition of another knockout. They were the only third placed team to not register a single win in any of their three group stage matches.
One might argue that none of this matters since the tournament has been played and the team that was meant to win it has already won. Taking nothing away from Portugal's fortitude, one must concede that a lot of luck has played its role in this team winning the trophy. They may not be the worst champions, that title might be a bit too harsh, but they are certainly not the most deserving.
