Euro 2016: Cristiano Ronaldo denied as Iceland, Hungary make history in mega event
A superb finish by Ronaldo`s former Manchester United teammate Nani gave Portugal a half-time lead in Saint Etienne.
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Paris: Minnows Iceland denied Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo on his record-equalling 127th international appearance to claim a 1-1 in their first ever major finals match at Euro 2016 on Tuesday.
Hungary top Group F after a day of surprises as they shocked well-fancied Austria 2-0 to register a first win for 30 years at a major international tournament.
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Ronaldo equalled Luis Figo`s record number of caps yet, it was a quiet night for the Real Madrid forward, who failed to become the first man to score in four European Championships as he was frustrated by Iceland`s dogged defence and a great display from goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson.
A superb finish by Ronaldo`s former Manchester United teammate Nani gave Portugal a half-time lead in Saint Etienne.
However, Iceland -- the smallest country ever to feature at a Euro finals with a population of just 330,000 people -- weren`t to be denied as midfielder Birkir Bjarnason slammed home an equaliser just five minutes into the second-half.
"We were playing a really good team and the best player in the world, the last 35 minutes were really long after we`d equalised," said Halldorsson.
"I`m touched to have experienced this moment with these incredible fans behind us."In Bordeaux second-half goals from Adam Szalai and Zoltan Stieber saw Hungary stun 10-man Austria to mark a glorious return to the big time having not qualified for a major tournament since the 1986 World Cup.
Austria, tipped as tournament dark horses, dominated the opening period, but went behind when Szalai ended an 18-month goal drought to open the scoring.
And Stieber triggered delirious celebrations when he raced from just inside the Austria half to beat Robert Almer three minutes from time with a sublime chip.
"The players played out of their skins," said Hungary coach Bernd Storck, who had previously described just qualifying for the tournament as a "miracle".
"This game today against such a difficult team, we had to play some very good football. We had a bit of luck, but you need a bit of luck in football."
Austria coach Marcel Koller bemoaned a disappointing performance which cranks up the pressure on his side ahead of Saturday`s crucial game against Portugal in Paris.
"Unfortunately we weren`t able to do what we wanted today," he said.
"Maybe some players were nervous because it was the beginning. We can`t just push a button and say `Now I`m going to play at my best level`.
"The situation now is we`ll have to try and win against Portugal."
Whilst, group favourites Portugal and Austria face off for a first win, pool leaders Hungary next take on Iceland in Marseille on Saturday.
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