Germany and Portugal played one of the most entertaining games in European Championship history and the entertaining game of Euro 2020 so far. The Germans were clearly the second favorites to Selecao to win the fixture but silenced their critics being on the right end of a thrilling 4-2 scoreline.
Fernando Santos replicated France's way to stop Germany's progress by defending deep and not allowing penetration through the middle. It failed miserably. The 2014 World Cup winners were slicker in their passes than against France, keeping wingbacks high and forwards linking up by overloads on either flank. Portugal planned to attack through counters and they took the lead through Ronaldo in the process. However, it didn't shake Germany's confidence like before. They put up a remarkable comeback by controlling the game despite Portugal's late surge.
Things got spicier in the group of death early on when underdogs Hungary took a shock lead against France in Budapest. France made to rue their missed chances early in the game eventually coming back through an Antoine Griezmann strike following an error from Hungary. Nevertheless, the hosts hold on to rob France of all three points in a memorable draw. As a case, Group F indulges itself in all sorts of permutations and possibilities.
Table :
The last matchday of this group will certainly be exciting to watch. Here is how the table looks after Matchday 2 results:
Fixtures :
1) Portugal (3) vs France (1)
2) Germany (2) vs Hungary (4)
A repeat of the Euro 2016 final, Portugal vs France will be a cracker of a game. France, currently, tops the group with Portugal in third. Both side's mindset will be to avoid defeat at all cost or else they have to rely on a different side doing the business for them. A draw will complicate the situation let alone a loss. France and Portugal both go into this fixture without a winning momentum so it's curious to see whether they go all out or take pragmatic steps to avoid mistakes.
The game between Germany and Hungary equally anticipated for the guests this time have shown promise to take points out of these giants. The Magyars are tricky opposition because of their defensive resilience and counter-attacking play. Something that has caused Germany troublesome moments in both of their games. 'Die Mannschaft' cannot turn back from here after keeping them in the qualification race for Round of 16 whereas Hungary will do everything to stand a chance on the last day of the group stage games.
Probabilities :
France -
Les Blues will surely go through if they avoid defeat against Portugal or the other game ends in a draw. They will finish first if they win or draw provided Germany fails to beat Hungary. Things will get interesting if France loses to Portugal and Hungary win against Germany. Then the second place of Group F will be decided on goal difference.
Germany -
Die Mannschaft will definitely go through with a win or a draw or by France's winning against Portugal.
Germany will finish first if they win and France do not. They will finish third if they draw or France lose, or if Germany and Portugal fail to win.
Portugal -
Portugal will go into the last 16 stages if they win, or they draw and Germany lose. Selecao will finish at the top if they win and Germany fails to beat Hungary.
Portugal can only finish fourth, thereby elimination, if they and Germany both suffer defeat on the day.
Hungary -
Hungary have to win to stay in contention. They can go through in second place if they do and Portugal loses to France. If France lose and Hungary wins, second place will be decided on the overall goal difference. The Magyars can only finish in third if they win and the other game ends in a draw.
Also Read | Group F preview: The group of death
