(Football news) Portugal’s 9-0 demolition of Luxembourg in Euro 2024 qualifying is a record for the nation and did not suffer from Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension. After receiving a caution in Portugal’s previous match, Ronaldo was unable to participate, and in his place, his teammates scored a hat trick. Along with Goncalo Inacio and Goncalo Ramos, Liverpool’s Diogo Jota scored twice. After coming off the bench, Joao Felix also scored.
Portugal, the victor of Euro 2016 and on the verge of qualifying for Euro 2024, cranked on the flair under the direction of Bruno Fernandes to finish a record 9-0 defeat of helpless Luxembourg.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr was unavailable due to suspension, so Manchester United captain Fernandes carried on his excellent play at Estadio Algarve by smacking home the game-winning goal in Slovakia on Friday night.
He assisted Goncalo Inacio on two occasions, allowing him to score with strong headers, and he also played a part in Goncalo Ramos’ first-half hat trick for Paris Saint-Germain, which enabled Robert Martinez’s team to lead 4-0 at the break.
In actuality, the result understated the home team’s performance since Diogo Jota, a Liverpool attacker, struck the crossbar in the first half before sprinting onto another wonderful Bruno pass to score the fifth goal on the 57th minute.
After that, on minutes 66 and 77, Jota assisted Ricardo Horta, a substitute, as he slammed in a thunderous finish. Jota then added another goal on minutes 77 and 88.
After Fernandes scored the eighth goal off a ball from Horta in the 83rd minute, Portugal’s largest victory ever was complete. On the 88th, Joao Felix scored the ninth goal with a stunning finish.
Portugal has surpassed Slovakia in Group J with 18 points after six preliminary matches, a margin of five points. With a remarkable 24 goals scored without a single goal being returned, they are yet to lose a qualifying match.
They will eventually make plans to visit Germany in the summer, it is only a question of time. You could argue that it was only Luxembourg, the No. 89-ranked team in the world, who on these nights resembles cannon fodder, but you also have to take into account that the visitors had 10 points from five games to occupy third place in Group J before this night of anxiety on the Algarve, thanks to impressive victories over Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland.
However, it was a tough night as Portugal shone as they performed at their best without their suspended skipper, illuminating the enormous gap in class. They still hold out hope of placing second in the section.
Because of the calibre of their talented group, Robert Martinez’s team must be among the genuine contenders for the Euro 2024 crown. Without a doubt, it is better to have Ronaldo on the team, but there are still options available. It’s a pleasant luxury to have.
similar to how he had done in Slovakia on Friday night, kept Portugal moving throughout this game by playing the provider and using an outstanding range of passes. And it was appropriate that, following his blazing winner in Bratislava, he scored another goal on his own. When the Premier League starts on Saturday with a rousing Brighton visit to Old Trafford, United supporters will be hoping he can keep up such inspiring play.
Also read: Iceland set to play Bosnia-Herzegovina at EURO Qualifiers
