Hungary coach to team: don't obsess over Ronaldo
LYON, France (AP) — Hungary coach Bernd Storck has a clear message for his players heading into their decisive match against Portugal: Don't obsess over Cristiano Ronaldo.
Having not scored in Portugal's first two games at the European Championship, the pressure is on Ronaldo to deliver against Hungary in their final Group F match on Wednesday. All four teams in the group have a chance to make it through to the round of 16.
"Everybody is always asking about Cristiano Ronaldo," Storck said through a translator at Stade de Lyon on Tuesday. "I don't think he is the only world-class player on this team. We have to be compact, fight for each other, and be brave. It's not just about their No. 7."
Hungary's Nemanja Nikolic celebrates after Iceland's Birkir Saevarsson scored an down goal, the Euro 2016 Group F soccer match between Iceland and Hungary at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, France, Saturday, June 18, 2016. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Portugal has a wealth of experienced players, including Pepe in defense, midfielder Joao Moutinho, and forward Nani — the only Portuguese player to score at the tournament so far. But all the attention is on the 31-year-old Ronaldo, who has missed 22 chances at Euro 2016 including a penalty kick.
His side, which has been tipped by many to go deep in the competition, has only managed two draws and stands on the brink of not making it out of the group stage at the European Championship for the first time if it gets nothing out of its match against Hungary.
"Cristiano has been working like he normally does," Portugal midfielder William Carvalho said. "We are not concerned because tomorrow we will start scoring."
Hungary midfielder Gergo Lovrencsics said he hoped Ronaldo, a three-time world player of the year and record goal scorer for his country, doesn't suddenly rediscover his finishing touch.
"We are aware that he is their most dangerous player, but Portugal has a lot of class on their team," he said. "I think we have an antidote for them, and we will see if it is good enough tomorrow."
Storck gave no hints about his strategy. In the 2-0 win over Austria, he used a 4-1-4-1 with Adam Szalai up front. But then he switched to a 4-3-3 in a 1-1 draw with Iceland, dropping Szalai for Tamas Priskin.
Though comparisons with the great Hungary sides of the 1950s are unfair, the team has made a surprisingly good start to its first major tournament in 30 years. It has four points and only needs a draw to go through to the round of 16.
Hungary will win Group F with a victory over Portugal, which enters the match in third place level on two points with second-place Iceland. Austria has one point and plays Iceland also on Wednesday.
"Who would have thought that before the last match we would be top of the group with four points and Portugal absolutely has to win tomorrow to qualify?" Storck said. "I can't compliment my team enough."
Besides not putting the ball in the net, Portugal has injury concerns. Coach Fernando Santos said that midfielder Andre Gomes and defender Raphael Guerreiro are doubtful for the match because of thigh injuries.
To protect the Stade de Lyon pitch from deteriorating after last week's persistent rain, Portugal trained Tuesday morning at their camp in Marcoussis near Paris before traveling. Hungary ran their practice session before the match at an alternative pitch in Lyon.
Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly celebrates at the end of the Euro 2016 Group F soccer match between Iceland and Hungary at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, France, Saturday, June 18, 2016. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Hungary's Adam Szalai, back to camera, celebrates with fans at the end of the Euro 2016 Group F soccer match between Iceland and Hungary at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, France, Saturday, June 18, 2016. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Hungary's Adam Szalai, back to camera, celebrates with fans at the end of the Euro 2016 Group F soccer match between Iceland and Hungary at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, France, Saturday, June 18, 2016. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
