Joao Cancelo’s cracking late goal secured Portugal a topsy-turvy 3-2 World Cup qualifying win over Hungary on Tuesday as Roberto Maetinez’s side to made it two wins from two on their road to 2026 in North America.
Hungary took the lead against the run of play in the 21st minute when Barnabas Varga guided in a terrific header from Adam Nagy’s floated cross. Debutant Balazs Toth then made two stunning saves to deny Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Neves, but he was powerless to stop Bernardo Silva lashing the ball past him from eight yards nine minutes before half-time.
Portugal took the lead in rather fortuitous fashion after the break as Loic Nego handled in the box from Ronaldo’s shot, and the 40-year-old, who now has three goals in two games in his country’s qualifiers, perfectly placed his spot-kick into the corner in the 58th minute.
The home fans went wild six minutes from time when Varga scored another brilliant header past the helpless Diogo Costa, but their joy turned into despair less than two minutes later as Cancelo curled in a clinical strike from 20 yards.
BALLGM rates Portugal’s players from Puskas Stadium…
Joao Cancelo’s cracking late goal secured Portugal a topsy-turvy 3-2 World Cup qualifying win over Hungary on Tuesday as Roberto Maetinez’s side to made it two wins from two on their road to 2026 in North America.
Hungary took the lead against the run of play in the 21st minute when Barnabas Varga guided in a terrific header from Adam Nagy’s floated cross. Debutant Balazs Toth then made two stunning saves to deny Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Neves, but he was powerless to stop Bernardo Silva lashing the ball past him from eight yards nine minutes before half-time.
Portugal took the lead in rather fortuitous fashion after the break as Loic Nego handled in the box from Ronaldo’s shot, and the 40-year-old, who now has three goals in two games in his country’s qualifiers, perfectly placed his spot-kick into the corner in the 58th minute.
The home fans went wild six minutes from time when Varga scored another brilliant header past the helpless Diogo Costa, but their joy turned into despair less than two minutes later as Cancelo curled in a clinical strike from 20 yards.
BALLGM rates Portugal’s players from Puskas Stadium…
Diogo Costa (6/10):
Hungary scored from their one shot on target in the first half as Varga’s inch-perfect header went in off the post. Nothing he could do about Varga’s second, either.
Ruben Dias (7/10):
The centre-back looked very assured at the back as Hungary were mostly restricted to counter-attacks. Popped up with some timely interceptions, too.
Ruben Neves (7/10):
The Al-Hilal man was a surprise pick at centre-back, given he is a midfielder, but his ball-winning abilities still came in handy.
Nuno Mendes (7/10):
Played on the left of a back three, so didn’t get forward as much as usual. Did still pose a threat going in attack as well as being solid in defence.
Joao Neves (6/10):
The dinking and darting midfielder tested the keeper on a couple of occasions. Left gaps in midfield on the transition, though.
Vitinha (6/10):
The Paris Saint-Germain star picked out beautiful pass after beautiful pass but did allow Varga a bit too much room for his wonderful opener. His midfield was a bit too open at times, too.
Bruno Fernandes (5/10):
A lot of the things he was trying just didn’t stick in the first half, especially with misplaced passes. Came off shortly after the hour mark in what was an underwhelming display.
Joao Cancelo (8/10):
He may not have known too much about it as he stuck out a leg to try and control the loose ball, but the Al-Hilal man’s touch set up Silva for Portugal’s equaliser. Then scored a centre-forward-like goal to secure all three points.
Bernardo Silva (7/10):
Took his goal in emphatic fashion to level proceedings. Other than that, did a few nice tricks and flicks and retained the ball well.
Cristiano Ronaldo (7/10):
Was brilliantly denied by Hungary’s keeper and strayed offside on quite a few occasions, but won his side a penalty, which he converted with aplomb. A solid if unspectacular outing.
Pedro Neto (6/10):
Whipped in a number of decent-looking crosses but didn’t take on his opponent nearly enough.
Francisco Trincao (7/10):
Added a bit of spark off the bench, which was needed as Hungary sensed an equaliser in the final quarter of the game.
Joao Palhinha (6/10):
The Tottenham loanee was brought on to add a bit more control, but it is debatable whether he achieved that.
Joao Felix (6/10):
Dawdled a bit in possession but nearly scored a goal in the game’s dying embers.
Antonio Silva (N/A):
No real time to have an impact.
Goncalo Ramos (N/A):
Came on at the death.
Roberto Martinez (7/10):
Even though his team went behind, they didn’t panic, continued playing the same way, and got themselves out of a hole. His substitutes had a mixed impact, but a win is a win.
