EURO 2016: Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Brace, Adds Assist In Draw With Hungary

Well that was a scorcher wasn’t it?

Let us talk about Portugal’s defense. It was absolutely dreadful.

I think we can also agree that the 4-4-2 that Portugal Manager Fernando Santos rolled out is outdated and clearly wasn't working. When people look back at this, Ronaldo’s goals will overshadow just how shoddy the 4-4-2 was for Portugal.

Let's give credit to Hungary, sweatpants and all. They fought and scrapped for every goal they got, including a filthy direct free kick. With the draw Hungary finishes first in Group F, with Portugal as the runners up.

Let's get to what you came here for, player breakdowns.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Let's start with that beautiful assist on Nani's goal that opened up the scoring for Portugal. He split 6 defenders like they were standing still to reach Nani in the box.

One of the more beautiful assists I’ve seen Ronaldo be a part of.

Ronaldo’s First Goal

A cheeky back heel in after a very nice cross.

Ronaldo’s Second Goal

Another beautiful cross into the box by Quaresma to find Ronaldo’s head, where the ball would go on to find the back of the net.

Heat Map

In the early going CR7 drifted out wide left to his usual position. But as the match progressed he moved back in a bit more centrally which seemed to open up space a bit more. His smart runs into the box and the service from the crosses is what allowed him to score his brace.

He was anything if not efficient with his passing in the attacking third: assisting on a goal (as we’ve discussed) and a chance created. Overall he had a pretty solid game, and came through for his team when they needed him the most. This is something we’re used to seeing on a week-by-week basis.

Shots On Goal

His free kicks were a little less than be desired. CR7 has taken 40 free-kicks in major tournaments (EURO/WC) without scoring a goal. Maybe he needs to take some lessons from Gareth Bale.

Player Rating: 9.5 (Man Of The Match)

Now lets move on to Pepe, who didn’t have the best of nights, though you can say that of the entire Portugal defense. If they hope to survive Croatia they’re going to have to do some tinkering to that backline.

Pepe

Heat Map

There were times throughout the match where he would sneak a bit forward and join the attack. Remember Ramo’s getting forward yesterday, almost playing as another midfielder? Pepe seemed to do that at times, but as you can see he stayed home at the back. He was mostly responsible for dictating the attack going forward when playing out from the back.

Pepe’s best passing was in the middle third of the field.

But if you look at ALL of his passing, it wasn’t the greatest night for Pepe. He completed just about 80% of his passes, though as noted above his best was in the middle third of the pitch.

On the night he would have 2 interceptions and 3 failed clearances.

Hopefully Portugal can make adjustments by the weekend for their Round of 16 match.

Player Rating: 6.0

Things I learned

Cristiano Ronaldo played his 30th game at a major tournament with Portugal, more than any other player; he has scored nine goals in his previous 29 appearances.

This was CR7’s 17th game in the Euros, more than any other player in the history of the tournament.

Ronaldo became the first player to miss a penalty (excluding shootouts) for Portugal at a major tournament.

This is Hungary's first appearance in the Euro since the introduction of the group stage, however they have failed to progress to the knockout round in their last three World Cup appearances (1978, 1982, and1986).

Portugal have never failed to make it out of their group at the European Championships, reaching the knockout stage in all six of their previous Euro participations.

(h/t fourfourtwo)

Portugal will face Croatia in the Round Of 16 on Saturday, a game in which Madridistas will face off.