Portugal promise to deliver Euro goals

Jun 21, 2016 - 3:17 AM No team managed as many shots as Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in their opening two games at Euro 2016, yet all they have to show for it is one goal, two points and a possible early exit from the competition.

One of the most technically gifted of the 24 teams, Portugal managed 50 goal attempts in their two games, featuring 17 on target, 17 off target and 16 which were blocked.

After Germany, they are also the team that has enjoyed the most possession, at an average of 62 per cent per match.

But poor finishing means they go into Wednesday's (Thursday AEST) Group F match against Hungary in third place and a distinctly uncomfortable position.

Only a win over the unbeaten Hungarians will take them into the last 16 without depending on other matches.

Hungary, meanwhile, need a draw to make sure of a top-two finish although even if they lose they could qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Ronaldo has been one of Portugal's biggest culprits, missing an easy chance late in the 1-1 draw with Iceland and firing a penalty against the post late in the Austria match.

Portugal's players have offered little insight into what is going wrong, saying merely that if they keep trying, the goals will start flowing eventually.

"We did everything well, but once again the ball didn't go in ... what can you say?" said Nani after the goalless draw against Austria on Saturday.

"Our time will come, and that will be in the next game. We are going to be very lucky and all our shots will go in."

Midfielder Adrien Silva also played the optimism card.

"We're not even thinking of another draw, it's not part of our mentality and would not demonstrate our quality," he said.

Coach Fernando Santos said that a more ruthless approach is required.

"Sometimes, I get the feeling that we are ashamed about being ugly, or not being pretty. If we have to be ugly and that brings us efficiency, we have to be ugly," he said.

"I'm ugly by nature and I don't mind being even uglier."

Source: AAP