The European champions were out of the Euros at the precise moment Cristiano Ronaldo faced Hugo Lloris for the second time from the penalty spot on a captivating night in Budapest. He also had the small matter at his feet of equalling Ali Daei’s all-time international goalscoring record of 109. The weight of history and of responsibility did not deter the 36-year-old as he beat Lloris for a second time to secure Portugal’s place in the last 16 and level an epic struggle with France.
Ronaldo struck twice to etch his name further into football folklore. Karim Benzema also scored a brace as the world champions recovered from a sluggish start and edged ahead before being held by the third penalty awarded on the night. They finished as group winners regardless. Both may meet again later in the competition and, if this is the appetiser, the reunion will be richly rewarding.
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