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Home  » Sports » Euro 2016: Ronaldo misses penalty as Portugal held to 0-0 draw with Austria

Euro 2016: Ronaldo misses penalty as Portugal held to 0-0 draw with Austria

Last updated on: June 19, 2016 03:23 IST
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Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after he has a goal disallowed during their Euro 2016 Group F match against Austria at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Saturday

IMAGE: Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after he has a goal disallowed during their Euro 2016 Group F match against Austria at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Saturday. Photograph: Clive Rose/Getty Images

Portugal played out a goalless draw against Austria after captain Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in their Euro 2016 Group F match at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on Saturday.

On a night when Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed Luis Figo to become the country's most capped footballer (128 matches), the Portugal captain failed to make it memorable as he hit the woodwork from the penalty spot, was denied more than once by Austrian keeper Robert Almer and had a goal disallowed.

Ronaldo fired his 79th minute spot kick against the post, having already missed several chances in an entertaining game at the Parc des Princes.

A second draw from to matches puts Portugal now 3rd in Group F on the points table.

Hungary top the group with four points after earlier snatching a 1-1 draw against Iceland, who are level with Portugal on two points and ahead of Austria on one.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after missing the penalty

IMAGE: Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after missing the penalty. Photograph: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

Having missed the penalty, the forward thought he had made amends in the 85th minute by grabbing the winner with a header it was ruled out for offside.

Hailed as potentially tough opponents after an impressive qualifying campaign, Austria, ranked 10th in the world, again failed to live up to expectations after a 2-0 defeat by Hungary in their opener.

Portugal, who were knocked out in the first round at the 2014 World Cup, face a tense final match against Hungary while Austria will play Iceland.

Austria had the first clear chance when Martin Harnik headed wide from Marcel Sabitzer's perfect cross from the right.

Portugal, held 1-1 by Iceland in their opener, had three opportunities in the space of three minutes but Nani, Vieirinha and William Carvalho were denied by alert keeper Robert Almer.

Portugal's Ricardo Quaresma stretches for the ball as he vies for possession

IMAGE: Portugal's Ricardo Quaresma stretches for the ball as he vies for possession. Photograph: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

'Messi, Messi," sang the Austria fans after Ronaldo missed the target as he latched on to Nani's cross into the area in the 22nd minute.

Portugal came closer seven minutes later when Nani's header hit the woodwork.

Stefan Ilsanker bossed the Austria midfield, breaking up several Portugal attacks and orchestrating play for his team mates as David Alaba appeared to be having an off night.

Ilsanker provided Austria with their first shot on target early in the second half with a powerful low drive that was tipped away by Rui Patricio.

Austria's David Alaba and Marcel Sabitzer hold off Portugal's Andre Gomes

IMAGE: Austria's David Alaba and Marcel Sabitzer hold off Portugal's Andre Gomes. Photograph: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

Ronaldo was then denied twice in quick succession, Almer parrying away a shot from 20 metres and a header to keep his team afloat as Portugal stepped up the pressure.

Alaba and Ricardo Quaresma, both supposed to provide a creative spark for their respective teams, were substituted midway through the second half after disappointing displays.

Ronaldo had the perfect chance to snatch the points for Portugal after being fouled by Martin Hinteregger but his penalty struck Almer's right-hand post and six minutes later he was given offside after planting a precise header into the net.

Portugal next meet Hungary in their last game.

- Euro 2016 Coverage 

Euro 2016 Schedule

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