Round 1 of group games comes to a close.
Hungary 0 – 3 Portugal
Hungary didn’t deserve that. They played well, taking the game to the reigning European champions. Rather than through everybody behind the ball they attempted to play positive football and got the ball in the net only for VAR to rule it out for offside.
Portugal in the end, as champions do, found a way through. 2 goals in the last 6 minutes, and a late sensational finish by Ronaldo sealed the win. They possibly suffered from having Fernandes, Silva, and Jota all trying to take up the same spaces. Andre Silva, more of an out and out striker, should start against Germany. Ronaldo stretched the game and despite not being spectacular got two goals. Portugal will find their way through.
Hungary will know a win may not even be enough for them in their remaining 2 group games as goal difference will likely be a factor in ranking the 3rd place teams. There were positives, but they look set to crash out.
France 1 – 0 Germany
France had most of the ball and Germany were rather lackluster. Hummels turned the ball into his own net, but the World Champions couldn’t build on that goal. That may be a problem for France, for all their talent they don’t blow away teams.
Germany created, but seemed somewhat like a team of individuals. They had the odd chance but Kroos and Gundogan weren’t allowed into the game at all. Germany could end up exiting the tournament at this stage based on this performance.
That’s the first round of group games done. Italy and Belgium were the two most impressive sides so far in this early stage.