Martinez: Portugal's last-gasp draw with Hungary is 'painful and a shame'

Roberto Martinez was devastated by Portugal's late collapse as they surrendered a lead against visiting Hungary in a 2-2 draw at Estadio Jose Alvalade. 

Portugal went into Tuesday's clash in Lisbon knowing that a victory would see them qualify for next year's World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

And it seemed as though they would clinch that win when Cristiano Ronaldo netted a first-half brace to cancel out an early opener from Attlia Szalai.

In the process, the 40-year-old became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers with 41 goals, overtaking the previous record held by Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz (39). 

The hosts hit the woodwork twice in the second half, and Hungary took advantage of those reprieves when Dominik Szoboszlai popped up in injury time to secure a draw.

Martinez said: "There are no easy games, we need to evaluate, see that we are in a good situation, and there is a lesson that can help a lot for the future, even if now it is painful and a shame, because we wanted to qualify in front of our fans.

"It's a very important lesson, to be able to manage games like this much better."

Portugal are top of Group F on 10 points, five points ahead of Hungary with two matches left to play.

They need just three points to get over the line, with fixtures coming up against the Republic of Ireland and Armenia.

Martinez backed his side to use this experience as a learning curve.

He added: "It is important to understand that we have a lot of competitiveness in the dressing room, that it is important to always be ready. 

"In November, we have two very important games, you create the opportunity for possible qualification. 

"It's better to have competitive games in Ireland and against Armenia to continue to do what we want, to give the level we gave in the Nations League."