World Cup qualifying roundup: Portugal and record-breaking Ronaldo denied by Hungary

"Cristiano Ronaldo set a record for World Cup qualifying goals but the Group F leaders Portugal were denied early World Cup qualification by a late Hungary equaliser to snatch a 2-2 draw. Two Ronaldo goals the first his 40th in qualifying to set the landmark put Portugal on the verge of qualification but Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai struck in added time to stop the celebration party in Lisbon."

"Evan Ferguson's fourth goal in five competitive internationals kept the Republic of Ireland's World Cup dream alive as they edged past 10-man Armenia to claim their first Group F victory. The head coach, Heimir Hallgrimsson, had admitted in advance that he would accept a shitty performance and a 1-0 win on a night when victory was the only option, and Ireland eventually delivered if only just as they made the most of Tigran Barseghyan's senseless second-half dismissal for a headbutt on Finn Azaz."

"Italy kept alive their hopes of qualifying automatically with a 3-0 win against Israel courtesy of two goals from Mateo Retegui and a late header from Gianluca Mancini in Udine. The Italians remain three points behind the Group I leaders Norway, whom they meet at home next month. The bottom two teams Estonia and Moldova drew 1-1. England have won Group K but Serbia remain in the hunt for second place after beating Andorra 3-1 with Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic both on the scoresheet."

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, including his 40th qualifying goal, as Portugal led 2-0 before Dominik Szoboszlai struck a stoppage-time equaliser to finish 2-2 with Hungary. Portugal will seek World Cup qualification in upcoming matches in Dublin and Hungary. Evan Ferguson’s 70th-minute header secured Republic of Ireland a 1-0 win over 10-man Armenia after Tigran Barseghyan was sent off for headbutting Finn Azaz. Heimir Hallgrimsson had accepted a poor performance if it produced three points. Italy beat Israel 3-0 through two Mateo Retegui goals and a Gianluca Mancini header. Estonia and Moldova drew 1-1. England clinched Group K, while Serbia beat Andorra 3-1 and remain in contention for second place behind Albania.

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