Big Robo CR7! Cristiano Ronaldo shines with two goals and turns Portugal’s game against Hungary in the World Cup qualifiers
The Portuguese national football team faces Hungary this Tuesday at José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, for the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. At 48 minutes of the first half, Portugal turned the score to 2-1, with two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo. The match is ongoing, with Roberto Martínez’s team controlling possession.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the team’s striker, tied the game at 21 minutes and scored the second at 47, reaching 40 goals in qualifiers, becoming the all-time top scorer. Hungary opened the scoring with Szalai at 8 minutes from a corner kick. The game, valid for the fourth round of Group F, could secure Portugal’s direct qualification for the World Cup if Armenia stumbles.
- Possession: Portugal 68% against Hungary’s 32%.
- Starting lineups: Portugal with Diogo Costa, Semedo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, Nuno Mendes, Rúben Neves, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, and Ronaldo; Hungary with Balázs Tóth, Négo, Orbán, Szalai, Kerkez, Schäfer, Styles, Szoboszlai, Bolla, Varga, and Sallai.
- Group standings: Portugal leads with nine points, followed by Hungary with seven.
Lineup and game start
Portugal began the match dominating the midfield, exchanging passes and pressing Hungary’s defense. The visiting team adopted a defensive stance, relying on counterattacks and set pieces. At three minutes, a passing move reached Ronaldo, who shot wide with his left foot.
At six minutes, Sallai linked up with Négo and shot on target, but Diogo Costa saved. Hungary’s goal came shortly after, from a corner kick by Szoboszlai.
Key moments of the first half
The first half saw intense moments at both ends. Portugal sought spaces on the right, while Hungary exploited gaps in ball possession.
- At 8 minutes: Szalai headed in a corner to open the scoring for Hungary.
- At 13 minutes: Nuno Mendes mishandled a free kick alongside Ronaldo, causing confusion.
- At 21 minutes: Semedo crossed low from the right, and Ronaldo tied with a precise finish.
- At 38 minutes: Sall过去了
System: Sallai shot a volley after Schäfer’s substitution for Alex Tóth.
- At 47 minutes: Nuno Mendes crossed after a pass from Pedro Neto, and Ronaldo tapped in the second goal.
Portuguese possession dominance
Portugal kept constant pressure after the equalizer, holding 68% possession by the 43rd minute. Vitinha attempted a long-range shot at 35 minutes, blocked by Szoboszlai. Bruno Fernandes received a yellow card for a foul on Schäfer at 34.
Nuno Mendes advanced on the left at 45, earning a corner. The Portuguese crowd celebrated Ronaldo’s record, surpassing Carlos Ruiz’s 39 goals. Hungary’s defense, led by Orbán and Szalai, cleared dangerous crosses.
At 32 minutes, Ronaldo crossed too strongly from the right. Pedro Neto tried a shot at 31, but Bernardo Silva’s header was weak, caught by goalkeeper Tóth.
Hungarian counterattack efforts
Hungary responded with quick plays, especially on set pieces. Szoboszlai missed a shot at 17 minutes, and Sallai shot wide at 15. At 29, Varga headed a corner, but Renato Veiga cleared.
Bolla nearly scored at 30, striking a first-time shot from a corner. The referee reviewed a controversial play at the same minute. The visiting crowd shouted “olé” at 41, provoking the home fans.
Detailed match timeline
The game started with national anthems and kicked off at 3:45 PM Brasília time. Portugal pushed their lines forward at 26 minutes, intensifying pressure. Three minutes of stoppage time were announced at 45.
Ronaldo shot from distance at 14, saved by Tóth. At 11, Rúben Dias crossed to Ronaldo, cleared by Orbán. At four minutes, Ronaldo shot wide from a good passing move.
The equalizer at 21 shifted the momentum, with Portugal gaining control. The second goal at 47 sealed the comeback, and the half ended with Portugal leading. The match continues in the second half.
