"Our fate is up to us," says Portugal's head coach

Portugal do not have many options if they want to get through to the EHF EURO 2016 – in fact, they only have one: win both matches.

Hungary and Russia, whom they play on 10 and 14 June, are the only opponents standing before them and second spot in the group, which would give them direct access to Poland.

Portugal national coach Rolando Freitas is clear about his and his team’s mindset, explaining "we are not thinking of Russia right now. Beating Hungary at home in front of our supporters, which will certainly be momentous, is our main objective."

Hungary has already clinched a spot in Poland, but Freitas is certain they will keep playing like they have been so far.

"They have really good players and I’m sure they will keep their performance level high, yet we are sure it’s possible to go head-to-head with them just like we did in the away match."

There have only been two official matches between the two countries, both of which Portugal lost both by just one goal; the first in the 1994 (18:19) and the second (30:31) just last October in the first leg of the EHF EURO 2016 Qualification.

But statistics are just numbers, and Freitas is confident his players can take the win:

"We can beat them, and my opinion is not due to the goal margin in Hungary, but because of the way we played. We have been playing very well. Of course there are aspects we should improve defensively, but I am sure a win next Wednesday is possible.

"We have to have confidence in ourselves. The major factor will be the mindset with which we approach the game. The will to win will be fundamental, and will directly impact our chance at success."

After Portugal face Hungary on Wednesday, they will head to Russia for their final match of the qualification stage.

Presently Portugal is second in the group, but Russia still have three games left. Nevertheless, the best third-placed team qualification spot comes only as a last resort according to Freitas.

"We only depend on ourselves. If we win the two matches we have left we will qualify, and that’s the only mental approach my players and I have at the moment.

"First Hungary, second and finally, Russia. One game at the time. Why would we think about the ‘best third’ option if we could make the final round directly?”

Tiago Rocha is back in the squad after a two-game absence (both matches against Ukraine), and he should be one of the main weapons as Portugal plays the do-or-die matches that dictate their presence or elimination from the EHF EURO 2016 in Poland.