Portugal | vs | Hungary |
| Date / Time: | Competition: | Live / Repeat: |
| October 10, 2009 - 3:45pm | World Cup Qualifying | Live |
Both teams are currently out of the qualifying zone behind the leaders Denmark and second placed Sweden.
Portugal and Hungary are locked on 13 points from 8 games and the Portuguese only have their noses in front thanks to a better goal difference.
Portugal have conceded as much goals as Hungary in the qualifiers but they have scored 10 goals – one more than the Hungarians.
Meanwhile, Hungary’s weakness is inconsistency. They have drawn only once in the group but the balance between wins and defeats has proven to be negative. Half of Hungary’s World Cup qualifying matches have ended in victories. Unfortunately for the side though, they’ve also bowed down thrice to defeat.
So a string of mixed results for the Hungarians have put them level on points with Portugal who can only be disappointed for not having this extra luck during matches.
On that day, Saturday 10th, the hosts will want nothing but a victory just as the visitors, Hungary. At the top of the table, Denmark and Sweden will also be doing business. A win for Denmark will not only ensure qualification for the Danish, but also come as a relief to either Portugal or Hungary.
On the contrary, if Sweden manage to defeat the current group leaders, then Portugal and Hungary will have to avoid drawing against each other. An all-square result in this occasion will put both Portugal and Hungary out of contention whereas Denmark and Sweden will have to wait until the last day to see who wins the group.
So the anxiety has certainly reached its peak in both camps. However, for Portugal’s boss Carlos Queiros, the belief is very much alive. He stated late in September:
“We are full of confidence and we have absolute belief in our abilities. Our situation is not easy and we accept some of the blame for what has happened.
“However, the gates to paradise are open after our last victory. It’s up to us to make sure Portugal fights with energy and conviction to ensure qualification for South Africa.
“We all know that the opportunity is there after beating Hungary in September.”
Indeed, Pepe’s early goal in Hungary was just enough to keep Portugal’s hopes of reaching the World Cup alive.
Portugal should be favourites to beat Hungary on Saturday, not only because of the home factor but also because of the historical record that they have against their upcoming opponents