With Cristiano Ronaldo in some of the best form of his career, Portugal coach Fernando Santos must be quietly confident of topping a Group F containing newcomer Iceland and playoff winner Hungary. But he will be very wary of a resurgent Austria side.
Here are other essential things to know about Group F:
THE BIG MATCH: The game between Austria and Portugal on June 18 is likely to decide who tops the group, and it should be an exciting atmosphere at Parc des Princes — home of Paris Saint-Germain — with a large Portuguese population in Paris. Furthermore, it could give Ronaldo a glimpse of his future home, with PSG reportedly keen to sign him from Real Madrid for next season.
PLAYER TO WATCH: Ronaldo is the obvious big name in the group, but Austria's fans will be investing high hopes in Bayern Munich midfielder David Alaba. He plays in a more attacking role for his country, and his brilliant performance in Austria's 4-1 win away to Sweden in qualifying really caught the eye. The speedy, skillful 23-year-old Alaba could be one of the players of the tournament.
PROJECTED TOP TWO: This is Portugal's and Austria's group to lose, and they really should be confident of taking the top two spots, although Iceland showed their credentials by beating the Netherlands home and away in qualifying.
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