Overview
Caoimhin Kelleher, a former Liverpool goalkeeper and now a Brentford goalkeeper, successfully blocked Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty kick last weekend, when Ireland almost ended Portugal's unbeaten streak in Group F.
However, Ruben Neves shined when he headed the ball to score the decisive goal in the first minute of injury time in the second half, helping the "European Selecao" extend their winning streak in the qualifying round.
In addition, Portugal also showed their strength against Armenia and upcoming opponent Hungary, leading the group with a gap of 5 points and only 3 matches left. This means that the upcoming match could be the time when they officially qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals.
If coach Roberto Martinez's team defeats Hungary and Armenia cannot defeat the Republic of Ireland, Portugal's place in the 2026 World Cup will be confirmed. There are currently no signs that the process will be delayed next week.
In fact, the EURO 2016 champion is maintaining impressive form with 5 wins and 1 draw in the last 6 matches in all competitions. However, the narrow victory over Ireland ended a 5-match streak of scoring at least 2 goals in each of their matches.
Coincidentally, Portugal's upcoming opponent, Hungary, is aiming to score in the fifth consecutive match in Lisbon. However, avoiding defeat to continue competing for the top spot seems to be very difficult before the last two matches.
Marco Rossi's side have picked up just one point from their opening two games in Group F. However, in their most recent game, Hungary won their third game, beating Turkey 2-0 thanks to Daniel Lukacs and Zsombor Gruber.
Hungary currently has a 1-point advantage over Ukraine and a 3-point advantage over Ireland in the play-off position. However, if they cannot hold Portugal to a draw, they will be officially eliminated from the competition for the top spot.
The recent victory marked Hungary's second victory in the last 9 matches, and ended a streak of 8 matches without a clean sheet.
This streak includes a 2-3 defeat to Portugal at home in September, when Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot. Despite playing well in that match, Hungary have yet to win against the "European Selecao" in previous confrontations.
Personnel situation
Portugal won against Ireland without any further physical concerns. Goncalo Inacio was substituted in the first half to make way for Renato Veiga, but it seemed like a tactical decision by coach Martinez.
Martinez could make a change in the upcoming match, giving San Francisco Trincao a starting spot, who assisted Neves' header in the most recent match.
Joao Neves withdrew from the squad ahead of the win over Ireland, but Joao Palhinha is still a suitable choice to adjust his position in midfield.
Meanwhile, Hungary have completed their mission against Armenia despite missing veteran strikers Roland Sallai and Barnabas Varga due to suspension. Both have now completed their sentences and are back in the squad.
Therefore, Daniel Lukacs could be left out of the starting lineup despite scoring against Ukraine, but Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai will still play on the left wing.
Milos Kerkez is expected to play right behind Szoboszlai, while Callum Styles will take over as the center forward in midfield.
Expected lineup:
Portugal: Costa, Dalot, Dias, Veiga, Mendes, Neves, Vitinha, Trincao, Fernandes, Leao, Ronaldo.
Hungary: B. Toth, Nego, Orban, Szalai, Kerkez, Bolla, Styles, Schafer, Szoboszlai, Sallai, Varga.
The match between Portugal and Hungary takes place at 1:45 am on October 15 (Vietnam time).
