Hungary deny Portugal, Ronaldo early World Cup berth

After Attila Szalai netted for the guests, Ronaldo’s first-half brace put Roberto Martinez’s facet on the verge of qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

However, Dominik Szoboszlai struck in stoppage time to make Portugal wait and enhance his nation’s hopes of constructing it to the match within the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Martinez’s facet high Group F with 10 factors, 5 away from Hungary.

Portugal snatched a late victory from a five-goal thriller when the groups met in Hungary in September, as Marco Rossi’s facet confirmed their metal.

Hoping to qualify for the World Cup for the primary time since 1986, Hungary once more proved a tricky nut to crack.

They took an early lead via Szalai, when the tall defender headed residence from Szoboszlai’s nook after eight minutes.

Ronaldo, nonetheless main the road for his nation at 40, quickly levelled, tucking residence after Nelson Semedo crossed for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

It was his fortieth objective in World Cup qualifying, setting a brand new file forward of retired Guatemala worldwide Carlos Ruiz on 39.

Ronaldo, who missed a penalty towards Ireland on the weekend, prolonged his tally earlier than half-time along with his 143rd worldwide objective, additionally an all-time file.

The veteran was in the appropriate place on the proper time once more to clinically end off a cross from Nuno Mendes and provides his staff the sting in an end-to-end conflict.

Hungary pushed for an equaliser within the second half and Szalai hit the crossbar with one other header.

Martinez took off Ronaldo, who’s hoping to play at a sixth World Cup, however Portugal couldn’t maintain maintain of their lead.

Eventually Liverpool midfielder Szoboszlai discovered the leveller when he arrived on the again put up to complete off Daniel Lukacs’s low cross which discovered its approach via.

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