This is how the “soccer paradise” should feel. The playful potential in the duel between world champions France and European champions Portugal? World class. And the around 55,000 spectators in the stands in the sold-out Puskas Arena in Budapest give this game a worthy setting – at least under pre-pandemic standards. Sometimes the question arises: What should you pay attention to first?
In the sixth minute, Cristiano Ronaldo’s first shot lands in the arms of France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris. And then it goes quickly: After the throw-off, one of these 40-meter vertical passes from France’s midfield boss Paul Pogba follows, the elegant precision of which can only be admired in the stadium. He ends up with Kylian Mbappé, who sprints down, simply pulls past the first defender and hits a hook. It gets louder in the stadium. Only the third Portuguese defender can stop Mbappé at the expense of a corner. There it is, the big football stage that promised this game.
Just going to soccer was yesterday
For fans from abroad who want to enjoy top-class football in the stadium, however, a lot of patience and preparation is required before they can sit down. A negative PCR test is required when entering Hungary, regardless of which country you want to go to the tournament from. Without a PCR test, there is also no entry into the stadium. However, the check does not take place at the stadium gate, but at specially set up “wristband points” at the airport, in the city or near the stadium. The “magic” bracelet can only be picked up in person. Just go to soccer? That was yesterday.
One of the “wristband points” in front of the stadium in Budapest
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In the 27th minute, France is in dire straits for the first time. Hugo Lloris underestimates the speed of his opponent Danilo Pereira and fists the Portuguese to the ground – penalty. One thing for the now 36-year-old Portuguese superstar. Start of Ronaldo, short delay, keeper loaded, 1-0 Portugal – for Ronaldo the fourth goal at this European Championship.
Later he scores again with a penalty, tournament goal no. 5 and the striker’s 109th international goal, which draws level with international goal scorer Ali Daei from Iran. With 14 goals in European Championship finals and seven more in World Cups, Ronaldo is now the player with the most goals in both major tournaments, ahead of Miroslav Klose (19 goals in European Championship and World Cup finals). On this evening in Budapest you got the impression again: For Ronaldo the superlative is daily bread.
Masks in the stadium in short supply
In the stands, a distance of 1.5 meters and wearing a mask are mandatory. This is what UEFA stipulates. But hardly anyone in the anteroom of the stadium adheres to it. The Hungarian “volunteers” kindly point out the rules, but that doesn’t bother many. The picture in the interior is similar: football with a full team, who thinks of masks?
Double goalscorer for France: Karim Benzema
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In the 48th minute, France presented the next football candy. Paul Pogba again with one of these soft, precise vertical passes to Karim Benzema, who finished 2-1 for France. He started at the perfect time, with quick steps he gained space, and callously he finished against Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio. The French “aesthetic of effectiveness” appears for the second time on the scoreboard.
Notes fizzle out
“Please wear the mask at all times,” grumbled twice per half from the stadium speakers. The audience acknowledged the announcement with tentative whistles. At temperatures of almost 30 degrees, most people simply don’t want to wear a mouth and nose protection. Even in the generously designed press stand you sweat, only an estimated half of the media can take it under the mask.
In the 68th minute, Paul Pogba flicks the ball towards the Toreck again, but this time goalkeeper Rui Patricio is there and directs the ball to the crossbar. In the end it was a 2-2 draw. In the last ten minutes, given the tie in the parallel game between Germany and Hungary in Munich, the last risk is avoided. Both teams are finally on. And they deserve it.
French fans celebrating after the final whistle in front of the Puskas Arena
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After the final whistle, the teams celebrate in front of their respective block. The tougher fans are still in the stands 15 minutes after the final whistle, the French are even a little longer. Then the last ones pour out of the Puskas-Arena. Stewards again admonish them to wear a mask and keep their distance. And that works mostly now. But with all the joy of world-class football in the stadium: When enjoying football with obstacles, there is a clear aftertaste.
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