BUDAPEST:
Joao Cancelo slotted house from the sting of the field to grab Portugal an exciting 3-2 win at Hungary on Tuesday, sending them prime of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group.
Cristiano Ronaldo was additionally on the right track as Roberto Martinez’s aspect secured their second win from their two opening video games in opposition to the spirited hosts, for whom Barnabas Varga netted twice in Budapest.
Portugal lead Group F on six factors from Armenia on three after their win over the Republic of Eire earlier on.
Nations League champions Portugal had been excessive on confidence after thumping Armenia 5-0 on Saturday and dominated possession.
Nonetheless it was Hungary who took the lead as Ferencvaros striker Varga discovered a niche in Portugal’s defence and nodded house Zsolt Nagy’s cross.
Portugal responded by pouring ahead and Hungary goalkeeper Balazs Toth made a shocking save to disclaim Ronaldo from shut vary after half an hour.
The guests levelled six minutes later with Manchester Metropolis midfielder Bernardo Silva lashing into the roof of the web after the ball broke his approach within the field.
Portugal took the lead after 58 minutes by way of veteran striker Ronaldo, aiming to grow to be the primary participant to function at six completely different World Cup finals.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner gained the spot-kick when his shot was dealt with by Loic Nego, and he squeezed it into the underside left nook past Toth’s outstretched fingertips.
Ronaldo grew to become the participant who has scored the joint-most targets in World Cup qualifying historical past, degree with retired Guatemala worldwide Carlos Ruiz as he bagged his thirty ninth.
Hungary, who final certified for the World Cup in 1986 and have by no means overwhelmed Portugal in 15 makes an attempt, equalised with one other Varga header from Nego’s cross after 84 minutes.
Simply two minutes later Portugal stole the ball again excessive up the pitch and Cancelo stroked house to say the three factors.
