PARIS, June 19, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Raphael Guerreiro (L) of Portugal competes during the Euro 2016 group F soccer match between Portugal and Austria in Paris, France, June 18, 2016. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)
PARIS, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Cristiano Ronaldo missed numerous chances including a penalty kick as Portugal were held to goalless draw by Austria in their Group F match of Euro 2016 at Park of Princes here on Friday.
Ronaldo, making his record 128th Portugal appearance, was pulled down by Austria defender Martin Hinteregger in the 78th minute. But the Real Madrid super star stepped in to hit the ball against the woodwork.
It was the first missed penalty of the tournament after 24 matches. The 31-year-old finally headed home minutes later but the goal was disallowed for offside.
Portugal, who drew with lowly Iceland 1-1 in their first match, collected only two points and were third in the group behind Hungary (4) and Iceland (2). They will face Hungary in the last group match.
Fernando Santos, the manager of Portugal, said he will take the positives from the draw, promising to get three points from Hungary.
"I think we're having a tough time but we can't wallow in misery," he said. "There is a 'final' to play on 22 June. We're going to focus on that and accentuate the positives. We can't think about the missed chances, fair or unfair, this is football.
"The next match is a final for us," Santos said.
Austria head coach Marcel Koller saluted a "great team performance" by his team after a disappointing performance against Hungary.
"With this point we're still alive," he said. "Now the spirit has to be different; you need self-belief to be able to play well. Almer has always played well for Austria. When we started four and a half years ago he wasn't playing for his club, but he showed his qualities. He anticipates well and had a lot to do today."
It was a one-side match dominated by the Portuguese but a lack of luck and a brilliant show from Austria goalkeeper Robert Almer stopped the star-studded squad winning a full three points.
After surviving a scare from Austria midfielder Martin Harnik four minutes into action, who rose high to head wide of the near post, Portugal launched attacks wave after wave and should have gone at least five goals ahead in the first half.
But Almer made many saves and single-handedly won a precious point for Marcel Koller side, who were shocked 2-0 in their last match by Hungary.
In the 13th minute, Nani turned brilliantly on the edge of the box to get a shot away, but was denied by the keeper. And then Joao Moutinho's long shot was also flicked wide by Almer.
Ronaldo then missed a tap in and Nani's header from close range hit the far post. Joao Moutinho fired over the cross bar.
Austria's best chance came just before halftime when David Alaba's freekick was miraculously cleared off the line by Portugal right back Vieirinha.
In the second half, Ronaldo's shot was twice saved by Almer, first from a header and then a powerful left foot drive, leaving the tournament's most glittering star in further frustration.
"We definitely had a bit of luck with the penalty," said Koller of Ronaldo's penalty kick.
