Portugal edged past Hungary 3–2 in a dramatic World Cup qualifier on September 9, 2025, with Portugal edge Hungary headlines dominating sports pages. Trailing early, the champions turned it around with Bernardo Silva’s goal, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a key penalty, and Joao Cancelo delivered a dramatic late winner, keeping them at the top of Group F.
Brave Comeback Anchored by Ronaldo
Hungary drew first blood in the 21st minute when Barnabas Varga met Zsolt Nagy’s precise cross with a forceful header that ricocheted in off the upright. Portugal struck back 15 minutes later as Bernardo Silva tapped home at close range. The game took another turn when a Varga handball led to a penalty, which the 40-year-old Ronaldo buried, becoming the joint-top scorer in World Cup qualifiers with 39 goals and stretching his international tally to 141.
Hurried Response and Late Drama
Hungary almost grabbed a point with a late equalizer from Varga, but Portugal responded immediately. Cancelo struck a first-time effort from outside the area just two minutes later, sealing a thrilling 3–2 win. The result puts Portugal in a strong position at the top of Group F, with two away victories.
Bernardo Silva praised the team’s resilience, saying, “We showed a lot of character… even when they scored late, we still managed to score the winner.”
Group F Standings and Outlook
With this win and their earlier 5–0 thrashing of Armenia, Portugal stays undefeated with six points from two away games. Armenia trails in second with three points, while Hungary and Ireland lag behind. Portugal’s unbeaten run bodes well for their path to the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo’s goal-scoring feats continue to define his legacy, while Cancelo injected belief with his clutch finish. As the qualifiers progress, Portugal’s mix of experience and momentum makes them a serious contender in Group F.
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