The Real Madrid striker redeemed himself in style after a poor show in the two opening matches of the competition where had even lost a penalty.
Ronaldo had become increasingly under pressure for failing to guide Portugal in this year’s tournament and he seemed to have left the best for last with a stunning performance against Hungary. First he set-up Nani to equalize for Portugal after Zoltan Gera had put Hungary ahead and then he scored twice to cancel out Balazs Dzsudzsak’s two goals.
It was a great relief for the Real Madrid player who appeared frustrated coming into this match and had been reported to have grabbed the microphone of a reporter and thrown it into the river.
Despite the draw, Hungary also progresses to the last 16 as Group ‘F’ winners. By making it to the knock-out stages, Hungary who were not expected to do well this year has emerged as one of the surprise packages of the Euro 2016.
While Hungary surprised all, Austria was the biggest disappointment as they bowed out on Wednesday after going down 2-1 to Iceland.
Austria had everything going for them coming into this tournament after an impressive qualifying campaign which saw them finish un-beaten and moved into the top ten place in Fifa rankings. But after failing to win their opening two matches, Austria had set themselves up for failure and an early exit.
Iceland who play England in the last 16 will have Arnor Ingvi Traustason to thank after he scored a late winner to ensure they make it through as they finished second in their group.
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson had opened the scores for Iceland in the 19th minute. Austria should have equalized but Aleksandar Dragovic threw away a penalty awarded to the side. Alessandro Schopf’s goal restored parity for Austria but Iceland hang on to win.
Listen to this Icelandic commentator go crazy after the last goal was scored..
Listen as an Icelandic commentator goes mad after the national team scores a late winner in #Euro2016 https://t.co/34GJ299fTI
— Sky News (@SkyNews) June 23, 2016
Sweden also bowed out after losing 1-0 to Belgium on Wednesday while the Republic of Ireland made it to the last 16 after upsetting Italy 1-0.
