Hungary loses playoffs against Ireland
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Portugal has secured a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup even without the help of Cristiano Ronaldo. In the last qualifying game without the suspended superstar, they beat Armenia 9-1 (5-1). Even if they had lost, it would have been enough for the 2016 European champions because their pursuers Hungary lost 2:3 (2:1) at home to Ireland and even lost their place in the playoffs.
In Porto, Renato Veiga (7th), Gonçalo Ramos (28th), João Neves (30th/41st) and Bruno Fernandes (45th + 3) scored against the overwhelmed guests before the break. The Portuguese easily dealt with the brief shock of Eduard Spertsyan’s equalizer (18′). After the substitution, Fernandes (51st/72nd, penalty kick) extended the lead with his second and third goals. Neves (81′) with his third goal and Francisco Conceição (90’+2) ensured the fitting end to the gala. This means that 31 of 48 World Cup tickets have now been allocated.
Hungary loses second place in a direct duel with Ireland – Parrott becomes a hero
The hero for the Irish was Troy Parrot, who shot Hungary out of the playoffs with a hat-trick. He scored the winning goal in the sixth minute of stoppage time. In the previous game he had already scored two goals against Portugal.
“That’s why we love football, because things like this can happen… I love my home, my family is here, it means everything to me,” said an emotional Parrot after the game.