Hungary began their World Cup qualifying journey with frustration rather than celebration. After grabbing an early two-goal lead against the Republic of Ireland, Marco Rossi’s side fell apart in the second half and were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw, Softfotball reports.
It was a result that felt like a defeat, making them play catch-up in a group where every point will matter. The hosts are now under a lot of pressure to make a statement at home, but their recent record does little to inspire confidence just one win in their last seven outings, with defeats piling up against higher-ranked opponents.
Encouragingly for the hosts, Hungary are unbeaten in the last 12 games in which Szoboszlai has scored, but it will take more than one man to halt a Portuguese side in red-hot form. With fans in Budapest desperate for a result, the atmosphere will be intense, but the pressure could easily weigh heavy on the home team.
Portugal, on the other hand were ruthless in their opener a 5-0 thrashing of Armenia, powered by yet another Cristiano Ronaldo brace, sent an emphatic message that Roberto Martínez’s men are not only favorites in this group but also determined to build momentum ahead of their automatic qualification as 2030 co-hosts.
This was Portugal at their slickest; confident, clinical, and brimming with attacking options from João Félix to Rafael Leão. For a squad stacked with talent, anything short of three points in Budapest will feel like a missed opportunity.
However, Portugal via its official X handle, released an exclusive video of the men’s national team players training on the pitch for the game tomorrow against Hungary. Watch the video below;
João Félix has a habit of striking early in these fixtures, and if he or Ronaldo gets on the scoresheet again, it could be another long night for Hungary. The visitors are full of confidence and reports suggest Portugal will go all out to make it two wins from two in Group F.
Team News
Adding to their worries, Hungary will be without Roland Sallai after he was shown a red card, leaving them without one of their more creative threats. That puts even more responsibility on captain Dominik Szoboszlai, who remains their spark of hope.
Meanwhile, Portugal are missing Diogo Dalot, who withdrew from the squad just before the Armenia fixture.Portugal have never lost to Hungary in 14 meetings, winning 10 of those and seven of the last eight. On top of that, they’re unbeaten in their last nine WCQ away matches, keeping clean sheets in seven of them.
Possible Line-Ups
Hungary (4-3-3): Dibusz (GK) — Nego, Orban, A. Szalai, Kerkez ,Styles, Szoboszlai, Nagy, Bolla, Varga, B. Toth
Portugal (4-2-3-1): Costa (GK) — Cancelo, Dias, Inacio, Semedo, Palhinha, Vitinha, B. Silva, Fernandes, Neto ,Ronaldo
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Hungary will be desperate to put their Ireland disappointment behind them, but Portugal’s quality and momentum look too strong to ignore. Expect the Seleção to control proceedings and secure another victory.
Prediction: Hungary 1-3 Portugal
