Euro 2020: Griezmann rescues point for France against plucky Hungary

FRANCE needed a second-half equaliser from Antoine Griezmann to avoid defeat to Hungary in their Euro 2020 clash on Saturday.

Urged on by over 60,000 fans at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary stunned the world champions by taking the lead but France responded midway into the second half to end it 1-1.

Attila Fiola shot Hungary into the lead two minutes into first-half added time, holding off the French defence to slot home from a breakaway.

Loud celebrations greeted the goal, Hungary’s first at Euro 2020, as the hosts found hope that their side could achieve the near-impossible after the 3-0 defeat to Portugal in their opening match.

France, one of the favourites to win the tournament, had dominated the first half and missed two great chances through Karim Benzema and Antoine Griezmann.

Didier Deschamps’ side were bright from the beginning of the second half, substitute Ousmane Dembele hitting the post before Griezmann equalised in the 66th minute.

Mbappe ran onto Hugo Lloris’ long punt down the field and laid the ball in the path of Griezmann to slam home from inside a crowded Hungary box.

The strike was Griezman’s seventh goal at the European Championship, and only Cristiano Ronaldo (11) and Michel Platini (9) have scored more in the competition’s history.

Barcelona forward Griezmann was the top scorer at the last European Championship in France with six goals.

France moved up to four points to take the leadership of Group F, Hungary have kept their qualification hopes alive with one point.