Despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s double, Portugal tied with Hungary and could not seal their qualification for the 2026 World Cup
Portugal tied 2-2 with Hungary on date 4 of Group F of the UEFA qualifiers heading to the 2026 World Cupand the Portuguese team could not secure their classification. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a historic double, Attila Szalai and Dominik Szoboszlai scored for the visitor.
Roberto Martínez’s team had a solid match against Marco Rossi’s team, but at the end of the match they missed the ticket to the event that will be played in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
The visitor came out to play at the Estádio José Alvalade and surprised the home team with the ball stopped after eight minutes.
Szoboszlai took a great corner kick, Rui Patricio miscalculated and Szalai won with a header to make it 1-0.
Despite being down, Portugal never became desperate and with their weapons began to put Hungary against the goal.
22 minutes were played when Nelson Semedo made a good personal move in attack and assisted Ronaldo to equalize, in a goal that was historic.
With the tie, Martínez continued to press and accumulate arrivals, something that made a figure of goalkeeper Balasz Toth.
When it seemed like they were tied at halftime, Nuno Mendes placed a lethal cross for Cristiano to sign his double and make it 2-1.
In the second half, Portugal continued with its game plan and monopolized possession of the ball, but Hungary showed its teeth.
The visitor began to gain ground as the minutes passed and had the tie, but the crossbar said no.
In response, the Portuguese team hit two shots into the goalkeeper’s left post, could not finish the match and paid dearly in the end.
At 92 minutes, Szoboszlai entered alone at the far post and declared the final 2-2.
This tie leaves Portugal with 10 points and one foot close to the 2026 World Cup. While Hungary will have to battle to occupy second place in the group with Ireland and Armenia.
On the next date, Portugal will visit Ireland and Hungary will be home to Armenia.
