Ronaldo on target as Portugal edge Hungary in five-goal thriller 

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Portugal survived a fierce test in Budapest, edging Hungary 3–2 in a pulsating World Cup qualifier that went to the wire on Tuesday night.

The contest, played before a packed Puskás Aréna, saw both sides exchange blows in a game rich with drama, penalties, VAR checks, and late goals.

Hungary struck first in the 21st minute when Barnabás Varga rose highest to meet Zsolt Nagy’s cross, powering a header in off the post to put the hosts 1-0 up.

Portugal’s initial attempts were repelled by Balázs Tóth, who produced fine saves to deny Cristiano Ronaldo and João Neves.

The breakthrough for Roberto Martínez’s men came in the 36th minute. After a goalmouth scramble, João Cancelo poked the ball into the path of Bernardo Silva, who fired decisively into the roof of the net. VAR briefly checked for offside, but the equaliser was confirmed.

Ronaldo, eager to make his mark, saw an earlier effort denied but made no mistake from the spot in the 58th minute after Loïc Négo was penalised for handball. The 40-year-old calmly slotted low into the corner to hand Portugal a 2-1 lead.

Hungary, however, refused to buckle. Substitute Loïc Négo turned provider in the 84th minute, delivering a superb cross that Varga converted with another towering header to make it 2–2, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Just when it seemed the points would be shared, Cancelo produced a moment of brilliance in the 86th minute. Teed up by Silva on the edge of the area, the full-back unleashed a thunderous drive that flew beyond Tóth and into the bottom corner, restoring Portugal’s advantage at 3-2.

The final minutes were chaotic. Hungary pushed forward, forcing fouls and yellow cards, while Portugal looked to run down the clock.

Substitutions, cautions for Silva and Palhinha, and heavy tackles from both sides reflected the intensity of a match that went right to the last whistle.