Ex-Benfica assists Ronaldo, but Portugal miss World Cup vs Hungary | OneFootball

Portugal drew 2-2 at home against Hungary, in a match valid for the qualification for the 2026 World Cup. After having beaten the Magyars in Budapest (3-2), the Portuguese squad could not repeat the feat, despite Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace, with an assist from Nélson Semedo, former Benfica player – and with João Félix recovered.

Hungary started the match better and opened the scoring in the 8th minute. Following a corner, Attila Szalai beat Diogo Costa and made it 1-0. The response came in the 22nd minute, with Nélson Semedo finding Cristiano Ronaldo, who tapped in a low cross from the former Benfica player.

Still in the first half, Nuno Mendes delivered an excellent first-time cross and Cristiano Ronaldo (45+3’), without letting the ball drop, put Portugal ahead for the first time and sent Roberto Martínez’s men into the break with the lead.

Portugal had several chances to score a third goal, hitting the woodwork multiple times. However, despite Portuguese dominance, it was the opponent who found the net. Dominik Szoboszlai, in the 90+1st minute, leveled the score again and denied Portugal qualification.

The National Team keeps its hopes of reaching the World Cup very much alive, leading Group F of qualification with 10 points. Hungary (five), Ireland (four), and Armenia (three) round out the standings. Portugal will be back in action on November 13, in Dublin, against the third-placed team.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.