Two-goal Ronaldo hails ‘insane’ draw as Portugal progress
Lyon (AFP) – Man-of-the-match Cristiano Ronaldo hailed Portugal’s 3-3 draw against Hungary as ‘insane’ as his side scrapped into the last 16 of Euro 2016, thanks to his two record-breaking second-half goals. Ronaldo opened his account in style with a deft backheel flick on 50 minutes, then a bullet header 12 minutes later to twice equalise at the Stade de Lyon. The goals made the 31-year-old the first player to score in four European Championships. The result left Hungary on top of Group F. Portugal squeezed through as one of the best third-place finishers but now face a tough match
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Lyon (AFP) – Man-of-the-match Cristiano Ronaldo hailed Portugal’s 3-3 draw against Hungary as ‘insane’ as his side scrapped into the last 16 of Euro 2016, thanks to his two record-breaking second-half goals.
Ronaldo opened his account in style with a deft backheel flick on 50 minutes, then a bullet header 12 minutes later to twice equalise at the Stade de Lyon.
The goals made the 31-year-old the first player to score in four European Championships.
The result left Hungary on top of Group F. Portugal squeezed through as one of the best third-place finishers but now face a tough match against Croatia in Lens on Saturday.
“It was an insane match,” said Ronaldo as Portugal had to equalise three times in sweltering conditions.
“We had to chase down the match, it was very hot, but the main goal was to qualify.
“Of course, we wanted to win and qualify in first place, but the main thing is we’re through.”
The Real Madrid ace set another record with his 17th match in a Euro tournament.
Following their draws with Iceland and Austria, Portugal’s captain showed signs he was feeling the pressure.
He threw a TV reporter’s microphone in a lake on the morning of the game in Lyon.
But he delivered when it mattered as Portugal equalised three times in a match that was not for the faint-hearted.
“These are just more records, but like I always say that comes naturally,” he said.
“I can’t say I’m not happy, these are good records, but the priority was to make it through to the 16.”
Ronaldo rated his side’s chances as “50/50” in the last 16 after Croatia shocked defending champions Spain to reach the knock-out phase.
“We made it and now we face a very good team, but the odds are 50/50,” he said.
“Croatia are a tough team, with good players. Not every team manages to beat Spain.
“We respect them, but we know our strength and we’ll look them in the eye when we face them.”
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