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Portugal's Fernando Santos: 'I don't believe in easy groups' after Euro draw

Portugal coach Fernando Santos does not agree that his side landed in an easy group for Euro 2016 after they were drawn against Austria, Iceland and Hungary.

Austria qualified for the first time after reaching the 2008 Euros as co-hosts, while Iceland will make their debut and Hungary return for the first time since 1972.

Santos acknowledged that Portugal's opponents would be "very motivated" against the Group F favourites, but said there was no such thing as an easy group at this stage.

"I don't believe in easy groups, nor in difficult groups. What I do believe in is work," he said.

"Iceland are a team that have improved a lot during recent years. They qualified directly from their group, eliminating the Netherlands in the process, which says a lot about their potential.

"Austria are another team that have come on lately and have great players, like David Alaba, Christian Fuchs and Marko Arnautovic. They finished their group on a high and we will have to be careful with them.

"Hungary are probably the opponent we know the least about, because we have not faced them for a long time. The most important thing about all our opponents is that they will all be very motivated against us."

Fuchs, the Austria captain, said he was looking forward to competing against the tournament's biggest star, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo.

"We can be happy with the draw," Fuchs said. "We will enjoy playing against a great side like Portugal and a world-class player like Cristiano Ronaldo.

"The group is a tough one though. Hungary and Iceland have beaten some good sides. 'It could have been more difficult' isn't the right thing to say at the Euros."

Iceland will be the final team to kick-off in France, a fact coach Lars Lagerback welcomes, even if they must debut against Ronaldo and Portugal.

"The best part of the draw is that we can start playing June 14," he said. "We get more days to prepare."

Hungary coach Bernd Storck said his side welcome the opportunity to show their quality against a team such as Portugal.

"We've been drawn in a difficult group with tough opponents but it could have been better or even worse," he said. "What is important for us is that we have nothing to lose. It is a good opportunity for us to show what we can do at this level.

"Austria will be our first opponent and we have to prepare with them in mind as they are a good team. Iceland played very well in qualifying and are in their first-ever finals so they are a dangerous opponent.

"Portugal came out as first seeds and are without doubt a fantastic team. For our team and our young players it will be a superb opportunity and a good experience."