Cristiano ronaldo cr7 – Foto: SporTV
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the equalizer for Portugal against Hungary at José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The score is 1-1 at the 24-minute mark of the first half, with the match still ongoing in Group F. The Portuguese team, coached by Roberto Martínez, is pushing for a win to secure early qualification for the tournament.
The match started with Hungary taking the lead early on. Portugal, leading the group with nine points, responded quickly through a play started by Vitinha and Semedo, culminating in Ronaldo’s header, making him the all-time top scorer in qualifiers with 40 goals.
Confirmed lineups include Diogo Costa in Portugal’s goal and Balázs Tóth for Hungary, both teams using a 4-3-3 formation.
Lineup and tactical setup
Portugal fielded Diogo Costa; Semedo, Rúben Dias, Renato Veiga, and Nuno Mendes in defense; Rúben Neves and Vitinha in midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes; with Bernardo Silva, Pedro Neto, and Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.
Hungary opted for Balázs Tóth; Négo, Orbán, Szalai, and Kerkez in the backline; Schäfer, Styles, and Szoboszlai in midfield; and Bolla, Varga, and Sallai up front.
Both teams employ a 4-3-3, prioritizing quick transitions. Portugal’s bench includes Gonçalo Ramos and João Félix, while Hungary has options like Molnár.
🇪🇺🇵🇹 PORTUGAL CONSIGUE RÁPIDAMENTE EL EMPATE 1-1 ANTE HUNGRÍA POR LAS ELIMINATORIAS EUROPEAS
EL SEÑOR CRISTIANO RONALDO SIGUE APARECIENDO PARA SALVAR A SU SELECCIÓN 🐐pic.twitter.com/i62IaAmr1U
— Ligas Top del Fútbol (@LigasTopFutbol) October 14, 2025
Group standings and match context
Portugal leads Group F with nine points from three matches, followed by Hungary with four. Armenia has three points, and Ireland one.
A Portuguese victory, combined with an Armenia stumble against Ireland, secures direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The match, held at 3:45 PM (Brasília time), is broadcast live on sports channels.
The José Alvalade crowd creates a supportive atmosphere for the home side.
Key moments timeline
- 00′: Kickoff at José Alvalade, with national anthems played moments earlier.
- 04′: Portugal’s passing move ends with Ronaldo’s left-footed shot going wide.
- 06′: Sallai links up with Négo and curls a shot; Diogo Costa saves.
- 08′: Hungary’s goal! Szalai heads in from Szoboszlai’s corner, exploiting Costa’s error.
- 21′: Portugal’s goal! Ronaldo finishes a low cross from Semedo, set up by Vitinha, tying the score at 1-1.
Individual records and highlights
Cristiano Ronaldo reached 40 goals in qualifiers, surpassing Carlos Ruiz’s 39 from Panama, in a career spanning 128 matches.
The 40-year-old Portuguese star remains the team’s centerpiece, with 133 goals in 212 international appearances.
Ronaldo attempted long-range shots at 14 minutes, saved by Tóth, and headed at 11′, cleared by Orbán.
His presence raises expectations, especially with the potential for more records in this match.
Dangerous plays and saves
At 15 minutes, Sallai shot from distance, posing no threat to Diogo Costa. At 17′, Szoboszlai missed the target.
Nuno Mendes fumbled a free kick at 13′ alongside Ronaldo, without a rehearsed play.
Sallai’s foul on Bernardo Silva at 12′ gave Portugal a chance, but it went unconverted.
Pedro Neto attempted crosses at 9′ and 5′, cleared by Hungary’s defense.
Current first-half situation
At 23 minutes, Portugal presses, but Hungary’s defense holds firm. The match remains balanced, with possession evenly shared.
Ronaldo seeks another chance, while Szoboszlai controls the midfield for Hungary.
The game remains open, with both teams vying for the go-ahead goal.
