France will be hoping to book their spot in the next round of Euro 2020 when they face Hungary in front of a jam-packed Puskas Arena. The world champions already have three points to their name after a well-deserved 1-0 victory over Germany, while the Hungarians were on the wrong end of a 3-0 defeat to Portugal. Despite that score line, Hungary showed that they can be no pushovers and gave a decent account of themselves for 83 minutes.
Euro 2020: Group F
Saturday 19 June
Puskas Arena
15:00
To Win
Hungary 9/1
Draw 42/10
France 3/10
Hungary
It must have been a tough pill to swallow for Hungary after they lost their opening game 3-0 to Portugal. By no means was that score line a true reflection of how the game actually panned out. The hosts for this encounter will be hoping for a similar performance against the world champions, or at least to emulate the first 83 minutes of their clash with Portugal.
RB Leipzig duo Peter Gulacsi and Willi Orban were immense for the most part and will be doing their best work to keep the frightening French attack quiet. The Hungarian pair have great chemistry from club level with Orban providing cover for Gulacsi in goals.
Before Hungary’s defeat to Portugal, Marco Rossi men had come into the Euros off the back of a 11-game unbeaten streak.
France
With the new system format, France find themselves in a very comfortable position after winning their opening game against Germany. Much like Hungary’s tie, France’s 1-0 score line could have painted a completely different picture with Les Bleus finding much more comfort than what was suggested.
The midfield duo of Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante proved yet again why they are considered as the best partnership football has seen for a very long time. Kante’s tireless energy allows Pogba to have the freedom he needs to express his true talent.
Further forward, France may have the best attacking trio in the world in Antoine Griezmann, Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe, who was on a different planet than Germany’s defenders in their opening encounter.
Many may see this as an opportunity for France to rest players with a fixture against Portugal fast approaching, but France should do all they can to wrap up qualification as early as possible.
Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals (19/20)
As much as France are strongly fancied, and yes, they possibly will win, I’d still prefer to play it more cautious here and back Under 2.5 Goals. Hungary would have got something from their tie against Portugal if it wasn’t for a bit of bad luck and a freakish Cristiano Ronaldo, while Marco Rossi admitted that his opponents won the game off the bench. France are just as tight at the back, hence why I think this could be decent value at just under even money.
Written by Jesse Nagel