Euro 2016: Portugal vs Hungary - 5 players to watch out for

UEFA Euro 2016 finishes up with the group stage today, and Group F heavyweights Portugal would have least expected to be in their current situation. Third in the group with two points from two tame draws, they are going up against the group leaders Hungary, low on morale and with their star player Cristiano Ronaldo under intense criticism for not stepping up to the occasion. It also doesn’t help that his interview after the Iceland game came off as petulant.

It is up to the rest of the team to pull their weight behind Ronaldo as Portugal faces their toughest test yet, against the surprise group leaders. Lack of composure remains their biggest enemy as they have 50 shots on goal with only a single one converted. Fernando Santos will look to these key men to turn the tide in his favour.

Hungary have a rigid work ethic and are tireless throughout the game. The squad is a wonderful mix of experienced players and youth. They were expected to bow out in the group stages, however, they are well poised to qualify. With a well-balanced squad unlike the Portuguese, this could turn to be a historic night in the Stade de Lyon.

Nani

The Fenerbahçe winger has been deployed in an unconventional centre-forward role by Portuguese coach Fernando Santos. Since the retirement of Hugo Almeida, the team has been left without a true centre forward. But Nani has flitted into the role effortlessly, and has scored Portugal’s lone goal at the football tournament in France.

The Portuguese vice-captain is all set to make his 99th appearance against the Hungarians and would be desperate to qualify for the next round to cap his 100th appearance. He has been a standout performer for Portugal in the previous two games and he will look to carry on the good form against the consistent Hungarians.

Gábor Király

Kiraly is the oldest player to feature in the Euros.

The Hungarian shot-stopper may be the oldest ever player to feature in the European championships, but he is no slouch between the sticks. A brilliant showing in their group opener earned his team a deserved 0-2 win against the star-studded Austrians. Hungarian coach Bernd Storck was criticised for leaving out Liverpool substitute goalkeeper Adam Bogdan out of the team altogether. Kiraly has rewarded the faith shown in him by the coach.

Despite a shaky performance against Iceland, he helped them to a 1-1 draw which kept them at the top of the group.

Today, he faces the likes of Nani, Quaresma, Moutinho and of course Ronaldo. Expectations from the fans will be high and Király will be keen to show the nation and every person watching the game that he has aged like a fine wine.

William Carvalho

The combative midfielder has to help drive the Portuguese midfield.

The defensive midfielder could be the answer Fernando Santos is looking for. Having three wingers at the top who don’t contribute defensively hampers Portugal’s buildup or ball winning ability as was clear in the game against Iceland.

He was included in the next group game against Austria, and his display in that game justified his inclusion in the team over Danilo Perreira. The Sporting Lisbon midfield dynamo holds the ball up well and is expected to sit in front of the back four, as he has done at club level.

The Hungarians have been dangerous with the ball and William will be expected to thwart their attacks and then link-up with João Moutinho. As Portugal are expected to keep the ball a lot he will decide the tempo of the game.

László Kleinheisler

The youngster was man of the match against Austria.

The 22-year-old Werder Bremen midfielder got his first taste of Bundesliga action in January. With his team trailing 0-2 against Hertha Berlin he inspired a remarkable comeback that saw them draw 3-3. Nicknamed Scholes because he has red hair like the English legend, the midfielder has the potential to live up to nickname.

Kleinheisler’s selection for Euro 2016 drew much flak because of his youth and lack of experience. However, he lived up to the pressure by scoring on his debut against Norway in the 0-1 win. He has played all the games in Euro 2016. For his allround performance against Austria, he won the Man of the match award.

Much is expected of the young "Scholes" and he will be up for the greatest test he has ever faced. The formidable Portuguese midfield with William Carvalho will have a tough time keeping the young gun quiet. He will look to link up with Szalai and Steiber to give Rui Patricio a long night in Lyon.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo has endured a miserable Euro 2016 so far.

In the news for all the wrong reasons again. Ronaldo was criticised heavily by fans and critics alike for the penalty miss against Austria. Ronaldo’s failures are contrasted with that of Lionel Messi’s successful run to the Copa America final only to add more pressure on the Portuguese talisman.

Portugal had plenty of the ball but failed to create enough meaningful chances. The captain needs to step forward like he did for Real Madrid against Wolfsburg in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal second leg. It is Do-or-Die time for the Seleccao

Cometh the Hour, Cometh the Man. It is such moments of adversity that define legends. Legions of fans and all of Portugal will pray fervently for the phrase to come true. Portugal needs to win to ensure qualification and have a shot at making a deep run in the tournament.

And a goal from Ronaldo will see him become the first man to score in four editions of Euro!