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HUNGARY 0 PORTUGAL 1

Hungary 0 Portugal 1: Andre Silva’s second half strike edges the visitors closer to World Cup qualification against ten-men

Tamas Priskin's first half departure allowed Cristiano Ronaldo and his squad the chance to capitalise and take home three points

ANDRE SILVA scored the only goal of the evening to secure Portugal three points at Groupama Arena.

The visitors were aided in their pursuit for glory by Tamas Priskin's early departure for violent conduct.

 Andre Silva celebrates scoring the opener
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Andre Silva celebrates scoring the openerCredit: Reuters
 Referee Danny Makkelie shows Tamas Priskin a red card after 30 minutes
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Referee Danny Makkelie shows Tamas Priskin a red card after 30 minutesCredit: Reuters

A win tonight for Seleção was vital to ensure they stay on course for a showdown against Switzerland at the Estadio da Luz on October 10 - which is the match most likely to decide which side will automatically qualify.

Fernando Santos' side entered the fixture brimming with confidence after thumping the Faroe Islands 5-1 earlier in the week.

However, the favourites got off to a shaky start at the Groupama Arena.

Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo came close to breaking the deadlock after five minutes, but it was parried just over the woodwork.

The visitors were handed a lifeline after half an hour, when Tamas Priskin was sent off for violent conduct towards Pepe.

Portugal were persistent, but Hungary's defence managed to break down a catalogue of chances and the two sides went into the interval level at 0-0.

 Ronaldo missed a sequence of chances throughout the fixture
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Ronaldo missed a sequence of chances throughout the fixtureCredit: Reuters
 Pepe received treatment for his facial injury
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Pepe received treatment for his facial injuryCredit: AFP

Andre Silva managed to open the scoring in the 48th minute with a close range header, assisted by a routine Cristiano Ronaldo delivery.

Hungary responded rapidly, but Mate Patkai's chance at the other end flew wide of the far post.

Portugal enjoyed the majority of chances as the game drew to a close, but Ronaldo missed several chances to double the visitors tally.

Mihaly Korhut put Daniel Bode through on goal in the dying minutes of the fixture with an exquisite through ball, but Portugal were saved by the offside flag.

 Marton Eppel of Hungary in action against Fabio Coentrao
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Marton Eppel of Hungary in action against Fabio CoentraoCredit: EPA

 



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