Portugal reignite qualification hopes

Portugal kept alive their hopes of qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup after moving into second place in Group 1 with a 3-0 home win against Hungary.

Comfortable winners
The hosts started the day in third, but Sweden's loss at section winners Denmark left the door ajar for Carlos Queiroz's men to stake a claim for a play-off place. They were given a good start when Simão struck in the 18th minute and he added another in the second half after Liedson had doubled his side's advantage. The loss leaves Hungary three points behind Portugal and although they can still theoretically finish second, they need all results to go their way on Wednesday when they travel to Denmark.

Ronaldo loss
Hungary started positively, with Sándor Torghelle forcing a good save from Eduardo after seven minutes. Despite struggling initially, Portugal then took the lead when Simão acted fastest to turn in the rebound following Cristiano Ronaldo's blocked shot. The hosts soon went close again but the loss of captain Ronaldo to an ankle injury in the 27th minute clearly affected them and Hungary grabbed a foothold in the game, with Balázs Dzsudzsák going very close just before the break and Zoltán Gera hitting the bar with a header.

Late gloss
Portugal regained the initiative after the interval and both Liedson and Raúl Meireles had good chances saved by away goalkeeper Gábor Babos. The Hungary No1 had no chance when Liedson nodded in a Bruno Alves cross after 74 minutes, though, and five minutes later Simão fired a third to confirm victory. Portugal can now guarantee a play-off berth by posting a win at home to Malta on Wednesday.