Cristiano Ronaldo creates new record but Hungary delay Portugal's FIFA World Cup qualification

Cristiano Ronaldo creates new record but Hungary delay Portugal's FIFA World Cup qualification (AP Photo)

Cristiano Ronaldo achieved a new record as Portugal engaged in a 2-2 draw with Hungary in a FIFA World Cup qualifier encounter on Tuesday. Ronaldo scored a brace, which saw him become the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifiers. Ronaldo achieved the feat as he scored his first goal in the 22nd minute, which was a simple tap-in. It was his 40th goal in the competition and helped him surpass retired Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz.

Ronaldo added another goal deep into the first-half stoppage and took his tally to 41. This too came off a tap-in and helped Portugal enter 2-1 into the break.

The proceedings began with Hungary opening the scoring in the eighth minute as Attila Szalai rose above Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva to head in his first competitive goal for the national team.

Ronaldo then scored a brace to hand Portugal the lead in the first half.

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The second half saw Portugal dominate the early phase of the second half, during which they hit the woodwork twice. But as the match approached the 90-minute mark, Hungary grew into the game, with Dominik Szalai also hitting the bar. In added time a low cross slipped through the Portugal defence, and Szoboszlai fired in the equaliser for Hungary from close range to deny the home fans a celebration.

Portugal could have sealed a place at next year's finals in the US, Canada and Mexico with a victory that would have clinched top spot in Group F. But they will now have to wait until November, sitting on 10 points from four matches, five ahead of Hungary, with both teams having two games remaining. Ireland are third with four points.

-with Reuters inputs