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Cristiano Ronaldo: Portugal were in dire straits against Hungary

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal shows his frustration

Cristiano Ronaldo admitted Portugal were in 'dire straits' before fighting back three times to secure a 3-3 draw against Hungary.

The draw means Portugal qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2016 in third place in Group F, and will play Croatia in Lens on Saturday, after a mixed day for Real Madrid star Ronaldo.

Ronaldo was filmed throwing a reporter's microphone into a lake during Portugal's pre-match walk around Lyon on Wednesday, before scoring twice in the game and being named man of the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring for Portugal
Image: Ronaldo scored twice during the 3-3 draw

The 31-year-old refused to take questions from journalists in the post-match press conference, and instead read a statement following an interview with UEFA.

He said in the statement: "We played a good match, it was a little insane - Hungary scored and then Portugal scored - and it was very hot.

England face Iceland
England face Iceland

England will play Iceland in the last 16 at Euro 2016

"Personally I was happy as the team was in dire straits - three times we had to chase down the score and three times we came back.

"It's for me a privilege to be named man of the match but our priority was to win the match and we failed to do that. The bottom line is that we wanted to qualify."

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Ronaldo became the first player to score in four European Championships with his first goal, a sublime flicked finish through his legs, but he insists Portugal's progression was far more important.

Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo (C) and Hungary's midfielder Zoltan Gera look at the ball
Image: Portugal were behind three times in Lyon

Croatia are next up following their 2-1 win over current champions Spain on Tuesday, and Ronaldo sees it as a 50-50 contest in Lens.

He said: "This is another record but, like I always say, that comes naturally. Of course, I cannot say I'm not happy as these are good records. But the priority was to make it through.

Ivan Perisic wheels away in celebration after scoring the winner
Image: Croatia beat Spain in the group stages at Euro 2016

"Croatia are a good team but the odds are 50-50 and whoever plays the best match will go through. We saw highlights of the Spain match and they are a tough team with very good players.

"Not every team manages to beat Spain so we respect them. We know their strengths but we will look them in the eyes when we face them."

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