After securing a win over Hungary, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo expressed elation over the victory and posted an inspiring message on social media.

HIGHLIGHTS

• We’re going to give more joy to the Portuguese who have supported us: Ronaldo
• Portugal beat Hungary 3-0 in their Group F opener at Euro 2020
• Ronaldo took his Euros goal-tally to 11 after scoring twice on Tuesday

Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t be happier and prouder as Portugal got their title defense off to a winning start with a 3-0 victory over a determined Hungary on Tuesday. Portugal, the champions in 2016, came into the rearranged tournament as one of the favourites given the attacking talent at coach Fernando Santos’ disposal.

Ronaldo, who scored two of the three goals in the match, posted an inspiring message on social media, thanking all the Portuguese for their support and highlighted his team’s great victory..

Euro 2020: Group F, Hungary 0-3 Portugal Highlights

“You have to know how to suffer, fight until the end and always believe with all your strength. There are no easy opponents, no games won at the start. The European Championship is a stage of luxury, where only the best of the best are present and where every victory has to be conquered with all the vigor and abnegation. Great victory, team! Let’s go in pursuit of our goal! Strength, Portugal! We’re going to give more joy to the Portuguese who have supported us so much!”, wrote Cristiano Ronald

The 36-year-old has now also extended his record as the only player to score in five separate Euros finals and has also played the most games, with the match against Hungary being his 22nd since he made his debut in 2004.

Ronaldo, who missed a sitter in the first half, then delivered the final blow to a spirited Hungary side with a goal after a brilliant Portugal move in stoppage time.

Meanwhile, Portugal’s 3-0 win over Hungary was the joint-biggest win by the defending champions of the Euros in their first match of the tournament, equalling the Soviet Union’s 3-0 win over Denmark in 1964.

Ronaldo’s goals, however, weren’t the only interesting part of the game. On the fifth day of the Euro 2020 tournament, this was the first match played in a full stadium. The 67,215-capacity Puskas Arena was packed with mostly Hungarian fans, and they made their presence known throughout the match. Hungary is the only one of the 10 countries hosting matches at the tournament to allow full crowds.