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Portugal edge Hungary 3-2 with late Cancelo goal

Portugal has taken firm control of their World Cup qualifying group after a dramatic 3-2 away win in Hungary on Tuesday. Joao Cancelo was the hero, scoring the winning goal just two minutes after the hosts had leveled the match, securing Portugal's second victory in two games.

Reuters SPORTS
Published September 10,2025
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Portugal earned a 3-2 victory at Hungary in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, with Joao Cancelo scoring a late winner, two minutes after the hosts had equalised, to put them in control at the top of Group F with two away wins from two.

The visitors had come from behind to lead thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty but almost let the three points slip when conceding late on before Cancelo's goal rescued the win to add to their 5-0 success in Armenia on Saturday.

Hungary took the lead in the 21st minute when Barnabas Varga met Zsolt Nagy's inch-perfect cross into the box with a header which went in off the upright, before Portugal drew level 15 minutes later through Bernardo Silva's close-range effort.

Portugal went in front after Varga handballed a Ronaldo flick-on in the area, and the 40-year-old buried his spot kick into the bottom corner.

Hungary, who drew 2-2 away to Ireland on Saturday, looked to have done the same in Budapest when Varga headed his second of the night six minutes from time but the hosts were unable to hold on.

Two minutes later, Cancelo struck a first-time shot from outside the area after a Bernardo Silva pass to leave Portugal top of the group standings on six points.

Armenia, who beat Ireland 2-1 earlier on Tuesday, are second with three points, with Hungary and Ireland on one point.