Portugal 2-2 France: 5 talking points as majestic Cristiano Ronaldo enters the record books | UEFA Euro 2020 

Portugal and France played out a 2-2 draw on Wednesday
Portugal and France played out a 2-2 draw on Wednesday

#3 Remarkable Group F lives up to its billing

France and Portugal both qualified to the next round
France and Portugal both qualified to the next round

When the draws for the European Championship were made, many pointed to the group containing Germany, France, Portugal and Hungary as the proverbial 'group of death.'

History has shown us that groups with the spotlight on them rarely deliver on expectations, but Group F of Euro 2020 served up all the drama and more.

With three former European champions in the group, it was expected that Hungary would just be there to make up the numbers. However, the Eastern Europeans defied all expectations and came into the final matchday with a shot at qualification.

Both final group games rapidly changed results at several different points, and this consequently saw the standings in the table upended from top to bottom.

Spare a thought for England, who are due to play the second-placed team in Group F by virtue of their first-place finish in Group D. The final standing means the Three Lions will renew hostilities with their old rivals Germany at Wembley on Tuesday.

However, the rapidly changing results in both games meant that England's next opponents could have been any of the four teams at different points in the two games.

Germany flirted with consecutive group-stage eliminations at major tournaments, while Portugal barely held on to secure qualification.

Hungary might have been eliminated, but they put up a valiant effort and can go home with their heads held high.

#2 France have to perform considerably better if they are to go all the way

France have yet to hit top gear in this tournament
France have yet to hit top gear in this tournament

France entered Euro 2020 as joint-favorites alongside Belgium. However, the French team have an advantage over the Belgians in that they have tasted international glory.

The two-time European champions won a second world title three years ago and currently have a glut of world-class players in virtually every position.

However, France have flattered to deceive in Euro 2020 so far and did not hit top gear in any of their three group stage matches.

Their game with Portugal was threatening to run away from them before a soft penalty helped them get back into contention just before halftime.

The point secured against Portugal guaranteed first place for Didier Deschamps' side and helped them avoid some of the more marquee sides in the next round.

However, on evidence of their play so far, the current squad still have work to do if they are to successfully emulate Zidane and co. in following up a World Cup win with European glory.

#1 Evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo puts out another masterclass

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 109th goal for Portugal during Wednesday's game against Franc
Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 109th goal for Portugal during Wednesday's game against France

Cristiano Ronaldo announced himself on the international scene as a fresh-faced teenager who helped Portugal to a runners-up finish at Euro 2004.

Few, if any, could have predicted the incredible career he would go on to have. The Juventus megastar has since played his way into being arguably the greatest player in the history of the sport.

Beyond his achievements on and off the field, perhaps the Madeira native's greatest legacy is his unprecedented longevity at the highest levels of the game.

Seventeen years after taking center stage for Portugal as a teenager, Cristiano Ronaldo has morphed into his nation's talisman and very rarely fails to perform when the chips are down.

Against France, Portugal needed at least a point to secure progress, and it was none other than their influential captain who stepped up when it mattered most.

Like fine wine, Ronaldo seemingly gets better with age. His brace against Les Bleus took him to four goals in the competition and one clear in the race for yet another Golden Boot. It also means that he is now level with Ali Daei on 109 international goals for Portugal.

It is surely just a matter of time before Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the greatest goalscorer the men's international game has ever seen.


Also Read: Jim Beglin's column - Euro 2020: 5 young players who could become household names after the tournament

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Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh
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