The 39-year-old forward extended his record international tally to 140 and moved within one goal of Carlos Ruiz\u2019s all-time World Cup qualifying record of 39. Joao Felix also netted a brace, while Joao Cancelo was on target as Roberto Mart\u00ednez\u2019s side signalled their intent early in Group F.The day\u2019s most dramatic contest unfolded in Dublin, where the Republic of Ireland mounted a spirited comeback to draw 2-2 against Hungary. Early strikes from Barnabas Varga and Roland Sallai had the visitors cruising, but Evan Ferguson halved the deficit shortly after the break before Sallai was dismissed. Deep into stoppage time, Adam Idah headed home to rescue a point for the hosts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Austria kept their flawless start alive in Group H, edging Cyprus 1-0 courtesy of a Marcel Sabitzer penalty after Christoph Baumgartner was fouled. Bosnia and Herzegovina stayed top with a ruthless 6-0 dismantling of San Marino, led by Edin Dzeko\u2019s quick-fire double in the second half. The victory secured their fourth straight win, maintaining a three-point cushion at the summit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 39-year-old forward extended his record international tally to 140 and moved within one goal of Carlos Ruiz\u2019s all-time World Cup qualifying record of 39. Joao Felix also netted a brace, while Joao Cancelo was on target as Roberto Mart\u00ednez\u2019s side signalled their intent early in Group F.The day\u2019s most dramatic contest unfolded in Dublin, where the Republic of Ireland mounted a spirited comeback to draw 2-2 against Hungary. Early strikes from Barnabas Varga and Roland Sallai had the visitors cruising, but Evan Ferguson halved the deficit shortly after the break before Sallai was dismissed. Deep into stoppage time, Adam Idah headed home to rescue a point for the hosts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With Portugal, England, Austria and Bosnia making strong statements, and Ireland\u2019s late fightback offering early drama, the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 is already setting an intense tone.<\/p>\r\n\r\n