Cristiano Ronaldo have boosted his chances of winning the FIFA Ballon d'Or this year following his two-goal performance against Hungary on Tuesday. The Juventus attacker scored two late goals to propel European champions Portugal to a 3-0 win overhosts Hungary in their first game in Group F as they bid to retain the title they won in France five years ago.
Portugal became European champions in 2016 after beating hosts France in the final of the European Championships thanks to the goal from striker Eder in extra time. The goal from the former Swansea City attacker gave the Portuguese team a 1-0 win over France and their first major trophy at senior football level in the process.
Cristiano Ronaldo would have a lot to say if Portugal will retain their title or not and he made the best possible start with his goals against the Hungarians though it was not plain sailing for him and his team. Portugal had several chances in the first half through Liverpool attacker Diogo Jota and even Ronaldo but they could not convert the chances that came their way as Hungary showed determination and fighting spirit to hold their more illustrious opponents to a goalless draw in front of the full capacity crowd at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
Portugal dominated the majority of the game and were close to recording a disappointing goalless draw with the Hungarians before Borussia Dortmund left-back Raphael Guerrero unleashed a shot in the Hungary box that took a wicked deflection off Hungary defender WillieOrban to give Portugal the lead with just six minutes left on the clock.
Ronaldo added a second goal three minutes later from the spot after Portugal substitute Rafa Silva was brought down by RB Leipzig centre back Orban before he wrapped up the win comprehensively with his brace in added time. The Juventus player is now the outright all-time goalscorer in the history of the European Championships with 11 goals following the brace that has given him a massive boost in the race for the FIFA Ballond'Or Award this year. Ronaldo came second behind Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski for the 2020 edition of the FIFA Ballon d'Or Award.
