Hungary kick off Group F at home to Portugal at Puskas Arena, Budapest in what has been described as the ‘group of death’.
With every result mattering in a quality packed Group F, whoever wins this opening match can go top of the group for at least a few hours.
Team News
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Dominik Szoboszlai is ruled out for Hungary after withdrawing from the squad with a groin injury which has prevented the midfielder from playing since January for RB Leipzig.
Zsolt Kalmar is also absent after too withdrawing from the squad after he failed to recover from a knee injury but aside from Szoboszlai and Kalmar, there are no fresh injury concerns to report.
Portugal will be without Manchester City fullback, Joao Cancelo following a positive Coronavirus test, with Diogo Dalot replacing his compatriot in the squad.
Stat Attack
- Hungary are winless in two previous meetings against Portugal at major tournaments, losing 3-1 in 1966 FIFA World Cup before drawing 3-3 at Euro 2016.
- Portugal have scored three goals in both of their two previous clashes against Hungary at major tournaments.
- Marco Rossi’s Magyars are winless in 13 previous meetings against Portugal in all competitions (D4, L9).
- Portugal have scored first in three of four matches in 2021 in which they scored in (W3, D1), with the only match in which they failed to score finishing goalless against Spain earlier this month.
- Roland Sallai and Adam Szasai are the only Hungary players to score twice for their country in 2021.
Prediction
With both teams in what can only be described as a blockbuster group of death alongside France and Germany, both teams really need a strong start to their campaign if they want to advance to the knockout stages.
Hungary might be without Szoboszlai’s attacking ability in midfield but with their 3-4-1-2 formation, there is certainly still plenty of tactical opportunities tor them to still take this game to Portugal if they can play with discipline and assertation when in possession and defend as an united pack when chasing the ball.
Portugal meanwhile are reigning champions and boast serious attacking players in Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves, Diogo Jota and Cristiano Ronaldo amongst others, so I do expect to see them come out with proper attacking tactics and look to quickly assert their authority on the front foot.
This game therefore feels like it will be one where nailing tactics will be key because even a draw could prove pivotal come next Wednesday (23 June) evening once Group F is complete, although I am going for a Portugal win if they can extract the best of their star quality.
Prediction: Hungary 0-1 Portugal
