England might have Zoltan Gera to thank for avoiding a last-16 clash against old tormentors Portugal.
The former West Bromwich Albion and Fulham midfielder scored a wonderful half-volley to give Hungary a 1-0 lead which could send Cristiano Ronaldo and company off England’s path at Euro 2016.
Hungary’s Zoltán Gera Scored A FILTHY Goal That Could Be The Dagger For Portugal’s Euro 2016 Hopes #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/Amn1qq3q7B
— SportsCast (@SportsCast_THN) June 22, 2016
The 37-year-old veteran always had an eye for goal in his time in England, scoring 45 times for the Baggies and Cottagers, but not many would have been better than this sweet left-footed strike.
Ex-Manchester United winger Nani equalised for Portugal three minutes before half-time, which means, as it stands, the 2004 finalists would fortunately progress as one of the best third-place teams.
A Hungary win in Lyon tonight would see them top Group F with seven points, ahead of second-place Iceland, who are currently leading Austria 1-0 and are on course to meet England in the next round.
The Three Lions should be relieved to sidestep Portugal, who have knocked them out in the quarter-finals of two major tournaments since 2004, and also beat them in the group stage of Euro 2000.
Half-time scores:
Hungary 1-1 Portugal
Iceland 1-0 Austria
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