Ronaldo's two goals lead Portugal to Euro 2016 knockout stage
Cristiano Ronaldo, coming off one of his more frustrating games on the international level, righted that wrong for Portugal on Wednesday, lifting his side from the brink of elimination to a place in the knockout stage of Euro 2016
Ronaldo scored twice, with Portugal in a losing position each time, helping his nation to a wild 3-3 draw and third place in Group F. The result, coupled with Iceland's late 2-1 win over Austria, makes Hungary the surprise group winner, Portugal the third-place finisher and Iceland through in third place. Iceland will play England in the round of 16, while Hungary will play the second-place team in Group E. Portugal awaits its opponent.
Hungary opened the scoring and stunned Portugal through Zoltan Gera, who laced a blast from outside the box after a failed clearance:
Nani put the Portuguese back in the picture to advance, though, with a smart finish off a slick set-up by Ronaldo. Nani beat Gabor Kiraly at his near post to level the score just before halftime:
The second half was nothing short of insane. Balasz Dzsudzsak score on a deflected free kick to restore Hungary's lead and put Portugal back on the provisional sword:
Ronaldo scored his first to bring Portugal back from the dead with an audacious back-heel flick, making it 2-2:
Yet Dzsudszak scored again, off another deflection, moments later:
Ronaldo put Portugal on his back and provided the ultimate answer. His header made it 3-3 and provisionally thrust Portugal back into second place in the group:
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