Budapest, Sept 10 (Kiran News): Cristiano Ronaldo equalled the all-time record for most goals in World Cup qualifying as Portugal defeated Hungary 3-2 in a thrilling Group F clash on Tuesday night. The win put Portugal on top of the standings with six points from two games.
Cancelo Nets Decisive Winner
The match was settled by João Cancelo, who fired in the decisive goal from the edge of the box in the 86th minute, just moments after Hungary had equalised.
Earlier, Hungary struck first when Barnabás Varga headed in a cross from Zsolt Nagy. Portugal equalised through Bernardo Silva in the 28th minute after Hungary’s goalkeeper Balázs Tóth had brilliantly denied Ronaldo at close range.
In the second half, Ronaldo converted a penalty in the 58th minute to give Portugal a 2-1 lead. The goal was his 39th in World Cup qualifying, bringing him level with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz for the most in history.
Hungary, however, responded in the 84th minute with another header from Varga to make it 2-2, only for Cancelo to seal the result two minutes later with Portugal’s third.
Portugal Firm at the Top
The victory follows Portugal’s opening 5-0 win over Armenia, giving coach Roberto Martínez’s side a perfect start in Group F. Portugal now lead the group with six points, while Armenia sit second on three points.
Hungary, meanwhile, continue their long wait for World Cup success. The team has not qualified for the tournament since 1986 and has still never beaten Portugal in head-to-head encounters.
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