Late-Drama Draw: Hungary Sting Portugal 2-2 in World Cup Qualifiers
14 October 2025
Match Report
Hungary grabbed a precious point from Portugal in a dramatic 2-2 draw as the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup unfolded.
The Hungarians hit the front early through Attila Szalai in the 8th minute, before Cristiano Ronaldo answered with a brace in the 22nd and 45+3 minutes to propel Portugal ahead. Dominik Szoboszlai struck a late equaliser (90+1) to deny Portugal a win.
Despite the result, Portugal remained top of Group Six on 10 points, while Hungary moved to second on five.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez set up with a balanced XI aimed at controlling the tempo, while Marco Rossi’s Hungary pressed high and looked for quick turnovers.
Szoboszlai and his colleagues launched with intent, and Szalai’s header from a Szoboszlai cross opened the scoring.
Ronaldo’s first serious sight of goal after five minutes flashed narrowly over the bar as Portugal began to settle in.
The Hungarian goalkeeper kept his team in it, making a sharp save to push Szoboszlai’s attempt wide and keep the score at 1-0 for the moment.
The danger arrived soon after as Szalai rose highest from a corner to double the visitors’ lead, heading in from Szoboszlai’s delivery.
Ronaldo continued to threaten, but the keeper pulled off a fine save on another effort.
Ronaldo Responds
Portugal pulled one back when a low cross found Ronaldo, who finished with a neat touch into the net to reduce the arrears.
In the 30th minute, Hungary appealed for a handball, but the VAR judge waved it off and play continued.
Bruno Fernandes received a yellow card, potentially ruling him out of the next match through suspension.
Due to an injury, the Hungarian coach Rossi had to amend his plan with a substitution at 38 minutes, bringing on Andras Schäfer in place of a fallen teammate.
A cross from a corner almost produced another goal for Ronaldo, but the ball sailed over the bar.
As the first half ended, Ronaldo’s late cross was met by a header that rose just over the bar, keeping Hungary within reach at halftime.
After the break, Portugal pushed again, with Neto testing the goalkeeper and the Hungarian defence holding firm for long periods.
Szoboszlai’s pace and Szalai’s resilience kept Hungary competitive, while Ronaldo and Co. looked to extend their lead with sharper finishing.
Ronaldo was substituted in the 78th minute as Goncalo Ramos took his place, but the Portuguesa attack continued to press with Conssisao driving on the right and creating chances that were narrowly cleared by the hosts.
In stoppage time, Hungary found their equaliser from a driven cross that Szoboszlai redirected into the net to force a share of the spoils.
Ronaldo’s New Milestone
Ronaldo’s goal tally in World Cup qualifiers rose to 41, cementing his status as the all-time top scorer in qualifying campaigns and extending the distance to some of his rivals.
Hungary’s resilience kept the contest open in the group, inviting more dramatic confrontations to come as the road to the 2026 World Cup continues.
Punchlines
Note from the sniper: If suspense paid rent, this game would own the stadium. And if drama came with frequent flyer miles, this one would have earned a gold season ticket.
