Ronaldo misses penalty as Austria hold Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty as Portugal were held to a second consecutive draw in Group F as they failed to find a way through a resilient Austria defence.

The Real Madrid man sent Robert Almer the wrong way but could only look on agonisingly as the ball came back off the post with 79 minutes gone.

In fact, it proved to be a night to truly forget for the superstar as he missed several gilt-edged chances in front of goal and even had a header ruled out for offside.

The stalemate means Portugal have yet to record a victory in the Euros and will need to beat Hungary in their final group game to guarantee progression into the final-16.

Though Austria were unable to find a winner of their own, they celebrated the draw like a victory. A win over Iceland could secure their place in the latter stages.

Portugal started the game at a frantic pace and created several chances but were let down by a lack of proficiency in front of goal.

They had more have had more shots on goal in the opening half an hour of a match at the Euros than any other side.

Their best opportunity fell to their star-man Ronaldo but the Real Madrid forward uncharacteristically sent the ball wide from eight yards out.

Austria looked extremely vulnerable in defence but provided a threat on the offence and they almost took the lead against the run of play when David Alaba’s free-kick was headed off the line by Vieirinha.

The frustration grew for Portugal – and Ronaldo – after the break. Goalkeeper Robert Almer produced successive saves to deny the Portuguese number seven.

Then, on 78 minutes, Ronaldo was handed the most glorious chance. Lukas Hinteregger hauled him down and the referee had no choice other than to point to the spot. Quite unbelievably, his shot struck the post.

Somehow Austria hung on for a crucial point and they live to fight another day. As for Portugal and Ronaldo, their desperation continues.

For the second consecutive match, Ronaldo flattered to deceive. Simply, his desperation cost his side the match. It was clearly not his night in front of goal and he shouldn’t have taken the penalty. Looking forward, Portugal’s chances don’t look good. For such a talented group of players, they have never lived up to their full potential. And on this showing, Portugal won't go much further than the last-16, if they even make it out of the group.

Robert Almer (Austria): Added to Ronaldo's frustrations by making multiple saves to deny the Portugal star. Always looked comfortable and in command.

Portugal: Patricio 6, Vieirinha 7, R Carvalho 7, Pepe 6, Guerreiro 6; W Carvalho 6, Gomes 5, Moutinho 5; Quaresma 6, Nani 7, Ronaldo 5. Subs: Eder N/A, Mario 6, Silva 5.

Austria: Almer 8; Klein 6, Prodl 7, Hinteregger 6, Fuchs 7, Baumgartlinger 6, Ilsanker 6; Harnik 7, Alaba 6, Arnautovic 6; Sabitzer 6. Subs: Wimmer N/A, Schopf 5, Hinterseer N/A.

4’ - CLOSE! Somehow Harnik misses a gilt-edged chance for Austria. He meets Sabitzer's inch-perfect cross but can't find the target from just yards from goal.

6’ - MISS! Plenty of chances in the opening stages of the game as Nani goes close with a headed chance but his effort is off target from just six yards.

11’ - DOUBLE CHANCE! Nani skips away from a challenge too easily and bursts into the penalty area but he can't find a way past Almer who makes a smart, brave stop. He gathers himself quickly to parry Vieirinha's shot from distance wide.

19’ - CHANCE! Portugal produce the move of the match but Ronaldo fails to seal the deal. He is found in space by Guerreiro but somehow directs the ball wide from yards out. What a chance.

28’ - POST! Somehow the score is still 0-0! Nani meets the corner delivery this time but sees his effort strike the woodwork and the rebound is blasted over the bar.

41’ - CLOSE! Alaba curls in a wonderful cross full of pace towards the back post and Vieirinha has to be alert to head clear the danger.

46’ - SAVE! A powerful shot from Ilsanker forces Patricio into a smart, low save. Much better from Austria, and maybe a sign of things to come?

54’ - SAVE! Ronaldo is determined to get onto the score-sheet and he hammers a powerful drive at goal which Almer does brilliantly well to parry out for a corner.

55’ - CHANCE! Almer is on a one-man mission to deny Ronaldo as he saves the forward's header with his feet.

78’ - PENALTY TO PORTUGAL! Hinteregger rugby tackles Ronaldo to the ground and the referee has no choice other than to reward a spot-kick.

79’ - OH MY GOODNESS! Ronaldo has missed it. He sends the goalkeeper the wrong way but is denied by the post.

Cristiano Ronaldo (20 shots, 0 goals) has attempted more shots at #Euro2016 than nine other teams.

Cristiano Ronaldo has now failed to score four of his last five penalties for club & country (excl. shoot-outs).

Cristiano Ronaldo missed his first penalty at a major tournament in normal time (scored v Iran in 2006 World Cup).