Who will progress from the Euro’s Group of Death?

UEFA Euro 2020 following in the tradition of most of the football tournament, have a Group of Death. Group F has earned the ill-famed moniker of Group of Death by virtue of having the current Euro Champion in Portugal, reigning World Cup winners in France, Germany are one of the most successful football teams in the world, and Hungary one of the stalwarts of the footballing world.

Group F Euro 2020 – Opening Round

Last night marked the first encounter of the Group of Death. Portugal after struggling to make a foothold in the first half emerged as the victor against Hungry. It was a thrilling encounter that saw the third own goal of Euro 2020.

The highlight of the Group F encounter was Cristiano Ronaldo, who is never far away from being in the spotlight. Once again Cristiano Ronaldo popularly known as CR7 hogged the limelight scoring two crucial goals for his country. Earlier, before the kickoff, he flirted with a bit of controversy by removing Coca Cola bottles during his press conference. Coca Cola being prime sponsors of the tournament made a terse and tacit comment about the incident.

Cristiano Ronaldo Creates History

During the march, Scoring the two goals for his country at the current edition of Euro 2020, Cristiano Ronaldo, left France’s talisman midfielder Michele Platini behind in goal tally to become the all-time leading goal scorer at UEFA Euros.

Michele Platini scored all his goals during the Euro 1984 edition, while Cristiano Ronaldo has amassed his goal tally over 5 Euro editions scoring two in his first and later 3 in his last title-winning campaign in 2016.

Portugal surges ahead in the Group of Death

Portugal has gained the advantage in the Group scoring three goals and keeping a clean sheet in their encounter with Hungry. The match was held at Ferenc Puskas Stadium in Budapest. Ronaldo dashed the hopes of 61000 Hungarian fans present for the tie.

Germany loses to France

In the second thrilling encounter, Germany lost to the current world cup holders France. French drew first blood through Guerriero. However, own goal conceded by German central Defender, Matts Hummels.

Paul Pogba came into his elements and lobbed a beautiful pass on the left flank beyond the German defence. A cross by Herrera intended for incoming Mbappe caught Hummels awkwardly and he ended up ballooning the ball into his own net beyond the hapless Neuer, the German goalkeeper.

Mbappe, the hottest striker in the world currently, did manage to put the ball into the German net. However, on each occasion, He was adjudged offside. The scoreline would have been flattering for French had Mbappe not been adjudged offside.

Finally, the French were the worthy winners, as they soaked in all the pressure German applied and thwarted their attack. Joachim Lowe having included Thomas Muller for his experience of big occasion failed to have a telling impact.

As things stand, Portugal tops Group F by virtue of goal difference followed by France, both having won their respective ties. Germany is placed third having lost by a solitary goal, while Hungry will be licking their wounds placed last having lost their match by three goals to Portugal.

The group of death is poised for mouthwatering encounters following the shake-rattle-roll of the opening games for the Group. There is so much to be played for. The saga of Group of death has only just begun.