Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal train ahead of Hungary tie

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Euro 2016 winners Portugal take on Hungary in a World Cup qualifier on Friday
Cristiano Ronaldo could be seen smiling during Wednesday's training session
The Real Madrid star was also photographed speaking to coach Fernando Santos

Published: 09:41 EDT, 22 March 2017 | Updated: 09:59 EDT, 22 March 2017

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The memories of victory at Euro 2016 must still be fresh for most Portugal players, which could help explain why there were so many smiling faces at training on Wednesday.

And after a difficult start to qualification, with Portugal losing 2-0 away from home against Switzerland, the team seems to be on their way to Russia.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co trained in a downcast Lisbon as they prepare to take on Hungary on Friday night.

Cristiano Ronaldo trained with Portugal on Wednesday ahead of their game against Hungary

The Real Madrid star could be seen smiling alongside forward Ricardo Quaresma

Ronaldo had a staggering calendar year in 2016, part of that was his European Championship win with Portugal. He also won the Champions League.

The Real Madrid star also pipped Lionel Messi to the Ballon D'Or at the end of the year, giving him the individual honour that he craves.

Ronaldo could be seen stretching alongside forward Ricardo Quaresma on Wednesday.

He was also snapped in conversation with Portugal coach Fernando Santos.

Ronaldo was also photographed deep in conversation with coach Fernando Santos (right)

Nelson Semedo (left) and Joao Mario (right) perform a drill with a ball at their feet

The Portugal players took part in a series of training drills, including a small-sided game, ahead of the Hungary match.

Portugal have good reason to think they will be among the 32 teams in Russia. They mauled Andorra and the Faroe Islands, beating both of them 6-0 after their struggle against Switzerland.

And they added another impressive victory against Latvia, beating them 4-1 in November.