Portugal eyeing goals

No team managed as many shots as Portugal in their opening two games at Euro 2016, yet all they have to show for it are one goal, two points and a possible early exit from the competition.

One of the most technically gifted of the 24 teams, Portugal managed 50 goal attempts in their two games, featuring 17 on target, 17 off target and 16 which were blocked.

After Germany, they are also the team that has enjoyed the most possession, at an average of 62 percent per match.

But poor finishing means they go into Wednesday's Group F match against Hungary in third place and a distinctly uncomfortable position.

Only a win over the unbeaten Hungarians will take them into the last 16 without depending on other matches.

Hungary, meanwhile, need a draw to make sure of a top-two finish although even if they lose they could qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been one of Portugal's biggest culprits, missing an easy chance late in the 1-1 draw with Iceland and firing a penalty against the post late in the Austria match.

Portugal's players have offered little insight into what is going wrong, saying merely that if they keep trying, the goals will start flowing eventually.

On the other side of things, for Ireland to reach the knockout stages at Euro 2016 they must achieve something they haven't done in 28 years - win a game at the European Championsip.

Martin O'Neill's team face an Italian side already guaranteed victory in Group E and manager Antonio Conte is likely to field many of his reserves, but it remains to be seen if Ireland can end their long winless streak in this must-win game.

Group rivals Sweden and Belgium meet at the same time, with the Swedes aiming to finish second in the group by beating the side who hammered Ireland 3-0 last time out.

But Ireland could also take that spot behind Italy if they win and pip Sweden on goal difference. An Irish victory and a draw between Belgium and Sweden could also see Ireland through as a third-placed team.

"We have a really great game against Italy to look forward to, to put our immediate disappointment to the side, and if we can win this game we give ourselves an incredible chance of qualification," O'Neill told the Football Association of Ireland's website.

O'Neill and his assistant Roy Keane will take a late decision on whether winger Jonathan Walters, who missed the Belgium drubbing due to a recurrence of an Achilles injury, will play.