Portugal hosted Hungary in Matchday 4 of the UEFA World Cup qualifiers, with each side chasing a ticket to the 2026 event. After a sluggish begin, Cristiano Ronaldo as soon as once more offered the spark for his group, scoring two targets and breaking an all-time file within the course of.
Main Group F in UEFA qualifying, Portugal had an ideal alternative to safe its spot on the 2026 World Cup. If Ronaldo’s facet claimed all three factors in opposition to Hungary and Armenia did not win in opposition to the Republic of Eire, Portugal would turn into one of many first European nations to e book its place within the event set to happen in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
In a packed Estádio José Alvalade, Portugal obtained off on the incorrect foot as Hungary struck first. Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a pinpoint nook, and 6-foot-3 (1.92 m) center-back Attila Szalai rose above the protection to go house the opener for the guests within the eighth minute.
With Portugal dominating possession and pushing for the leveller, Vitinha performed a superbly timed by way of ball to Nelson Semedo contained in the field. The proper-back then fired a low cross into the world for Ronaldo, who completed with a easy tap-in to carry Portugal stage within the twenty second minute.
As each groups traded possibilities, Ronaldo as soon as once more shifted the momentum in Portugal’s favor. In stoppage time (45+3’), Portugal pressed excessive into Hungary’s third, and this time left-back Nuno Mendes floated in an excellent cross that discovered Ronaldo unmarked within the field to finish the comeback simply earlier than halftime.
Ronaldo provides one other file to his legendary profession
The brace in opposition to Hungary didn’t simply transfer Portugal a step nearer to World Cup qualification — it additionally marked one other milestone for Ronaldo. The Portuguese celebrity has now turn into the all-time main goalscorer in World Cup Qualifiers throughout all confederations with a file of 41 targets, surpassing Guatemalan legend Carlos Ruiz who now sits second with 39.
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*Growing story…
