Portugal failed to wrap up 2026 World Cup qualification after conceding a late Hungary equaliser to draw 2-2 in Lisbon. Roberto Martinez's side had initially come from behind to get in front, courtesy of two Cristiano Ronaldo goals that set a new all-time World Cup qualifying record, and were on the brink of booking their ticket to North America thanks to Armenia's defeat to Ireland providing the extra nudge required. But Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai intervened at the death and it means Ronaldo and co. must now wait until November for their next chance instead.
Portugal knew that only a win could seal qualification on Tuesday, but while Ronaldo fired a shot over in the first few minutes, they got off to the worst possible start when Attila Szalai gave Hungary an early lead as goalkeeper Diogo Costa flapped at Szoboszlai's whipped in-swinging corner and Szalai headed in at the far post.
Ronaldo soon had Portugal's first shot on target when striking from distance, before equalising from close-range midway through the first half. That was his 40th goal in World Cup qualifying, a new all-time record surpassing the previous tally of 39 held by Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz. Both sides continued to miss the target or see efforts blocked, until Costa saved from Roland Sallai towards the end of the first half. But Ronaldo ensured Portugal took a lead into the break with another close-range finish, coming in first-half stoppage time after Nuno Mendes crossed into the box.
Portugal hit the post twice in quick succession within 15 minutes of the restart, Ruben Dias thwacking the woodwork from distance and then Bruno Fernandes also hitting the upright via the slightest of touches from Hungary goalkeeper Balasz Toth. As pressure built, he saved again from substitute Joao Felix in outstanding fashion.
It was a slender lead, though, and Szalai almost equalised from another set-piece, heading against the bar. Hungary continued to attack into the final stages and eventually got their reward through Szoboszlai, finishing at the far post after Portugal failed to deal with a low cross into the box.
GOAL rates Portugal's players from Estadio Jose Alvalade…
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Diogo Costa (6/10):
Should have done better in the moment Hungary went ahead early on. Needed to be more commanding of his six-yard box. Later showcased his superior skills as a shot-stopper.
Nelson Semedo (7/10):
Made the Portugal equaliser with some excellent play down the right and a precise cutback for his captain to tap in.
Ruben Dias (5/10):
Almost netted the best goal he'll ever score in his career, but his long-range strike cannoned off the post instead of rippling the net. Had to cut out the ball across the box that gave Hungary their last-ditch equaliser.
Renato Veiga (5/10):
Left Chelsea after a matter of months because he wanted to play consistently as a centre-back. This was his first start for Portugal since June but he might need to do more to earn himself the position consistently.
Nuno Mendes (8/10):
The best left-back in the world? It was his sumptuous first-time cross that gave Ronaldo his second to put Portugal ahead. Solid defensively.
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Ruben Neves (7/10):
Controlled things from his deep-lying position, which helped Portugal find a foothold and move towards a dominant display after conceding from an early set-piece.
Vitinha (7/10):
Deserves credit for the 'pre-assist' for Ronaldo's first goal, splitting the Hungary defence with a pass that played in Semedo.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Created a number of chances that never quite materialised into anything proper. Withdrawn just over an hour in, which will probably please Manchester United.
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Bernardo Silva (7/10):
Had plenty of the ball and used it well enough to create chances that weren't taken.
Cristiano Ronaldo (9/10):
Still completely irrepressible, even pushing 41 years of age. By half-time, Portugal had registered three shots on target, all were him, and he'd scored twice. The fact that both were 'easy' chances from close-range is irrelevant.
Pedro Neto (7/10):
Looked a threat with quick feet in wide areas and was involved in the go-ahead goal specifically. Drew several fouls and also tested Toth himself shortly before coming off.
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Joao Felix (6/10):
Almost made an instant impact, but for a top save. Peaked in that moment.
Joao Palhinha (6/10):
Like for like swap for Neves and continued that role to decent effect.
Francisco Conceicao (6/10):
Had a shot that narrowly missed, but his threat was consistent enough.
Nuno Tavares (4/10):
Was a serious downgrade when Mendes went off. Too easily allowed Lukacs the space to cross for the tying goal.
Goncalo Ramos (N/A):
Touched the ball four times in 12 minutes.
Roberto Martinez (5/10):
Encouraging his adventurous full-backs to go with their natural instincts proved decisive. Might need to reconsider the second-half changes he makes in future.