The first rounds of Euro 2020 have been played in almost all groups. Only Group F, known as the group of death, remains. In the opening match, Hungary will face Portugal. Both teams could deliver a surprise, either positively or negatively.
Pre-match setups
In Group F, besides the two teams mentioned, there are also Germany and France. They are the clear favorites. The odds for Germany to finish first in this group are 2.39, and for France, it’s 2.44.
According to betting experts, Portugal is likely to take third place, with odds of 4.3 for them to win Group F. There’s almost no faith in Hungary, with odds of 33.
Hungary
Overall, the team is combative and capable of troubling any opponent. They can either play to a goalless draw (as in their friendly against Russia) or put on a real goal-scoring spectacle (like in their World Cup qualifier against Poland, which ended 3:3).
Hungary’s victory over Portugal is priced at odds of 8.6.
Despite bookmakers not believing in the Hungarian players, we can’t be that categorical. After all, the team has an unbeaten streak of 11 matches. Yes, most of these were against weaker opponents, but there were also solid mid-table teams:
- Ireland (0:0).
- Poland (3:3).
- Turkey (2:0).
- Serbia (1:1).
- Iceland (2:1).
- Russia (0:0).
- Serbia (1:0).
- Bulgaria (3:1).
In the recent Nations League, the team competed in League B alongside Russia, Serbia, and Turkey. The Hungarians secured first place and advanced to the top division.
In World Cup qualifiers, the team played three matches and earned 7 points. They drew with Poland (3:3), while San Marino (3:0) and Andorra (4:1) offered no real challenge.
Portugal
It’s hard to believe Portugal won’t advance from this group. At the very least, there’s always a chance to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Either way, all three group favorites can’t afford to drop points against Hungary.
Leading up to Euro 2020, Portugal played two friendlies: a draw with Spain (0:0) and a thrashing of Israel (4:0). Earlier, they picked up 7 points in three World Cup qualifiers:
- Portugal 1:0 Azerbaijan.
- Portugal 2:2 Serbia.
- Luxembourg 1:3 Portugal.
In the previous Nations League, the Portuguese finished second in their group, behind France. Their only loss came against the French (0:1).
Portugal is the favorite for the upcoming match. Odds for their win are just 1.45.
Overall, the squad is strong enough to aim for the highest spots. And perhaps it’s not Cristiano Ronaldo leading the charge anymore, but Bruno Fernandes, who’s in incredible form.
Head-to-head encounters
In the 21st century, the teams have met five times. Hungary’s only draw came in 2016 during the European Championship group stage (3:3). Back then, Hungary finished first in their group, while Portugal advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
All other matches ended in Portugal’s victories, twice with a 1:0 score and twice with 3:0.
Match prediction
Looking at the lineups, it’s tough to imagine Portugal dropping points. From a tournament perspective, they simply can’t afford it. In the fierce battle with France and Germany for the two knockout spots, everyone must get past Hungary.
Motivation isn’t the issue here. It’s more about how well Hungary can hold off such star-studded players. History shows that defense isn’t the team’s strongest suit. We expect Portugal to have plenty of room and score at least twice.
Prediction: Portugal’s individual total over 2 at 2.10.
