EURO 2016 - Ronaldo fies blank again, as Lukaku scores twice in Belgium win News

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EURO 2016 - Ronaldo fies blank again, as Lukaku scores twice in Belgium win

By Daily Sports on June 19, 2016

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a second-half penalty on the night he became his country's record appearance holder as a hugely frustrating match for Portugal and their captain in Paris ended goalless to leave Group F wide open.

Ronaldo struck the base of the post with his spot kick after Austria defender Martin Hinteregger had wrestled him to the ground and later headed home only to be denied by the offside flag.

But huge credit for Austria's point must go to keeper Robert Almer, who made a string of sensational saves.

He stopped a crisp low strike and a header from Ronaldo as well as blocking from Nani, who struck the post with a first-half header as Portugal looked to pick up their first win of the competition.

Portugal dominated large swathes of the first competitive meeting between the sides since 1995 but were almost caught out several times, in particular when Stefan Ilsanker forced a good save with a crisp low strike shortly after the restart.

The result means that Hungary top Group F with four points, Portugal and Iceland both have two and Austria one - a situation which leaves all four in with a shout of reaching the last 16.

Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium recorded their first win at Euro 2016 and damaged the Republic of Ireland's chances of reaching the last 16.

After a goalless opening half, Lukaku scored the Belgians' first goal at the tournament with a neat finish from the edge of the area.

Axel Witsel headed in a second in the 61st minute, before Lukaku sidefooted home after a quick counter.

The Republic did not force goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into a single save.

It means Martin O'Neill's side, who are bottom of their section with one point, will probably have to beat Italy in their final Group E game on Wednesday.

Belgium, meanwhile, are second on three points and next face Sweden.

•Culled from bbc.com. Photo shows Lukaku celebrating his goal.

Source Daily Sports

Posted June 19, 2016