Portugal 9-0 Luxembourg: Diogo Jota scores twice, Bruno Fernandes stars in absence of Cristiano Ronaldo
A Bruno Fernandes-inspired Portugal turned on the fashion to finish a file 9-0 rout of hapless Luxembourg because the Euro 2016 winners moved to the brink of Euro 2024 qualification.
With Al-Nassr ahead Cristiano Ronaldo suspended, Manchester United captain Fernandes continued his excellent kind at Estadio Algarve after rifling dwelling the winner in the 1-0 success in Slovakia on Friday night.
He twice offered crosses for Goncalo Inacio to seek out the online with highly effective headers and was additionally concerned as Paris Saint-Germain ahead Goncalo Ramos helped himself to a first-half double with professional finishes as Robert Martinez’s facet moved 4-0 clear on the interval.
In fact, the scoreline flattered the visiting facet with Diogo Jota hitting the bar in the primary half earlier than the Liverpool ahead raced onto one other good Bruno ball to transform the fifth on 57 minutes.
Jota then performed supplier for substitute Ricardo Horta to thump a blistering end into the online on 66 minutes earlier than he weighed in with a second of his personal on 77 minutes.
Fernandes acquired in on the act with quantity eight from a Horta cross on 83 minutes earlier than Joao Felix rifled dwelling the ninth with a splendid end on 88 minutes to finish the filleting, Portugal’s heaviest victory of all time.
Portugal transfer onto 18 factors from their first six qualifiers in Group J, 5 factors clear of Slovakia. They have but to lose a aim in qualifying having totted up a whopping 24 with out reply.
It is simply a matter of time earlier than they e-book their journey to Germany subsequent summer season.
TALKING POINT
No Ronaldo, no downside for Portugal: Fair sufficient, it was solely Luxembourg you may argue – the No. 89-ranked facet in the world who resemble cannon fodder on such evenings – however you even have to contemplate the guests had reached 10 factors from 5 matches to occupy third spot in Group J with spectacular wins over Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland earlier than reaching this evening of angst on the Algarve.
They proceed to harbour hopes of ending second in the part, nevertheless it was a brutal evening as Portugal illuminated the massive gulf in class as they carried out at optimum ranges with out their suspended captain.
Robert Martinez’s facet have to be among the many actual contenders for the Euro 2024 trophy such is the extent of high quality inside their vibrant squad.
Better with Ronaldo in the facet with out query, however not quick of choices with out him. It is a pleasant luxurious to have.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
What are you able to say in regards to the Manchester United playmaker in this kind of kind? Completely irresistible, unplayable and unselfish.
Kept Portugal ticking over all through this match in taking part in supplier together with his beautiful vary of passing, simply as he had completed in Slovakia on Friday evening. And it was becoming he discovered one other aim of his personal after his blistering winner in Bratislava.
United followers will likely be hoping he can keep it up such inspirational play when the Premier League returns with the go to of a buoyant Brighton to Old Trafford on Saturday.
PLAYER RATINGS
Portugal: Diogo Costa 6, Goncalo Inacio 7, Ruben Dias 8, Diogo Dalot 7, Nelson Semedo 8, Danilo Pereira 7, Bernardo Silva 8, Bruno Fernandes 9, Goncalo Ramos 8, Rafael Leao 8, Diogo Jota 8
Subs: Joao Cancelo 7, Rúben Neves 7, Joao Felix 8, Ricardo Horta 8
Luxembourg: Anthony Moris 6, Maxime Chanot 4, Enes Mahmutovic 4, Laurent Jans 4, Mica Pinto 4, Florian Bohnert 4, Leandro Barreiro 5, Timothe Rupil 4, Danel Sinani 4, Yvandro Borges Sanches 4, Alessio Curci 4
Subs: Seid Korac 4, Vincent Thill 4, Sebastien Thill 5, Lars Gerson 4, Dirk Carlson 4
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
12′ GOAL FOR PORTUGAL! Can’t say it wasn’t coming. Bruno Fernandes with one other good cross and Gonçalo Inácio rises to energy dwelling the header. No likelihood for the keeper. A 1-0 lead for the house facet.
18′ A SECOND GOAL FOR THE HOME SIDE! High press pays off this time as Bruno Fernandes wins the ball earlier than Ramos comes up with the end from the Bernardo Silva cross. Superb aim. And a 2-0 lead.
33′ AND IN GOES THE THIRD! Gonçalo Ramos finds time to show from the Rafael Leão cross. Brilliant run and cross. Finish was of the very best high quality. 3-0 to Portugal.
45+3′ AND MAKE THAT A FOURTH! Gonçalo Inácio as soon as once more with the header from the Bruno Fernandes supply. That is pleasant. Inácio together with his first two targets in worldwide soccer. A 4-0 lead on the break.
57′ GOAL FOR PORTUGAL! Bruno Fernandes executes a terrific cross and Diogo Jota races by way of to slam dwelling the fifth for Portugal. Fernandes operating the present tonight.
67′ MAKE THAT SIX FOR PORTUGAL! Substitute Ricardo Horta accepts the cross from Jota to thump a blistering effort into the rigging. VAR verify for offside confirms Jota is sweet to go and Portugal lead 6-0.
77′ SEVENTH HEAVEN FOR PORTUGAL! Luxembourg in full disarray as free ball breaks to Jota in the field and he wants no invitation to slam dwelling the seventh. Ah effectively, not less than the visiting followers can benefit from the Algarve.
83′ GOAL FOR PORTUGAL! Number eight as Fernandes passes dwelling from the Horta cross by way of the center with the white shirts nowhere to be seen. A grim, grim evening for Luxembourg because the coach Luc Holtz disappears up the tunnel in disgust.
88′ THERE IS THE NINTH! Going to be a file win for Portugal as they transfer 9-0 forward. João Félix with the end from exterior the field. A splendid end after being arrange by Rúben Neves.
