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Portugal’s 9-0 demolition of Luxembourg in Euro 2024 qualifying is the nation’s all-time best victory, therefore Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension had no adverse effects. Ronaldo skipped out after receiving a caution in Portugal’s previous match, and in his place, his teammates scored a hat trick. Along with Goncalo Inacio and Goncalo Ramos, Diogo Jota of Liverpool scored twice for the team. Joao Felix, who had been a substitute, also scored.
Portugal, the champion of Euro 2016, went closer to qualifying for Euro 2024 with a record 9-0 thrashing of helpless Luxembourg under the direction of Bruno Fernandes.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nasr was suspended, so Manchester United captain Fernandes carried on his superb play at Estadio Algarve after smacking in the game-winning goal in Slovakia on Friday night.
The PSG forward Goncalo Ramos assisted himself to a first-half double with skillful finishes as Robert Martinez’s team raced 4-0 ahead at the half after he twice sent crosses for Goncalo Inacio to score with strong headers.
The scoreline really favored the home team since Diogo Jota struck the crossbar in the first half before sprinting onto another fantastic Bruno pass to score the fifth goal in the 57th minute.
Jota then assisted replacement Ricardo Horta, who scored on 66 minutes with a thunderous strike before adding a second of his own on 77 minutes.
After Fernandes scored the eighth goal off a feed from Horta in the 83rd minute, Joao Felix scored the ninth goal with a stunning finish in the 88th to seal the deal and give Portugal its biggest victory ever.
Portugal now leads Slovakia in Group J by five points with 18 points after six qualifying matches. With a massive 24 goals scored without an answer, they are yet to lose a goal in the qualifying process.
They will eventually plan their vacation to Germany for next summer.
TALKING POINT
No Ronaldo, no problem for Portugal: It’s true that it was only Luxembourg, the No. 89-ranked team in the world, who on these nights resemble 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 with impressive victories over Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland before this night of anxiety on the Algarve.
They kept holding onto the belief that they could take second place in the section, but it was a harsh night as Portugal shone a light on the enormous gap in ability as they played at their best without their suspended captain.
Given the caliber of their talented group, Robert Martinez’s team must be one of the genuine favorites to win the Euro 2024 trophy.
Without a doubt, the team is better with Ronaldo on it, but there are still possibilities. Having it is a good luxury.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – BRUNO FERNANDES (PORTUGAL)
What can be said about the playmaker for Manchester United in this kind of form? Unplayable, completely irresistible, and selfless. acted as Portugal’s primary provider throughout the game, just as he had done in Slovakia on Friday night, keeping Portugal moving forward. And it was appropriate that he scored another goal on his own after scoring the game-winning goal in Bratislava.
When the Premier League starts on Saturday with a rousing Brighton visit to Old Trafford, United supporters will be hoping he can continue such inspirational play.
PLAYER RATINGS
Portugal: Goncalo Inacio 7, Ruben Dias 8, Nelson Semedo 8, Danilo Pereira 7, Bernardo Silva 8, Bruno Fernandes 9, Goncalo Ramos 8, Rafael Leao 8, Diogo Jota 8, Diogo Costa 6,
Joao Cancelo, Ruben Neves, Joao Felix, and Ricardo Horta are the substitutes.
Anthony Moris scored six goals, Maxime Chanot had four, Enes Mahmutovic had four, Laurent Jans had four, Mica Pinto had four, Leandro Barreiro had five, Timothe Rupil had four, Yvandro Borges Sanches had four, and Alessio Curci had four for Luxembourg.
Alternates: Lars Gerson 4, Seid Korac 4, Vincent Thill 5, Sebastien Thill 4, and Dirk Carlson 4.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
A GOAL FOR PORTUGAL IN 12′! Can’t claim it wasn’t going to happen. Gonçalo Inácio rises to head in another exquisite cross from Bruno Fernandes. The keeper has no chance. The home team has a 1-0 advantage.
ANOTHER GOAL FOR THE HOME SIDE AT 18′! This time, a strong push is successful because Bruno Fernandes seizes the ball before Ramos can complete the pass from Bernardo Silva. Great goal. And a 2-0 advantage.
33′ AND THE THIRD COMES IN! Rafael Leo’s cross gives Gonçalo Ramos just enough time to pivot. That fantastic run and cross. The finish was of the best possible caliber. Portugal won 3-0.
AND MAKE THAT A FOURTH! 45+3′ Gonçalo Inácio headed the ball from Bruno Fernandes once more. That is wonderful. With his first two international goals, Inácio. a 4-0 advantage at the half.
A GOAL FOR PORTUGAL at 57′! Diogo Jota sprints through after a great assist from Bruno Fernandes, scoring Portugal’s sixth goal. The show is being run by Fernandes tonight.
67′ PORTUGAL, MAKE THAT SIX! Ricardo Horta, a substitute, takes Jota’s pass and unleashes a fierce effort into the rigging. Jota is cleared to play after a VAR offside check, and Portugal now leads 6-0.
HEAVEN SEVENTH FOR PORTUGAL IN 77′! When a loose ball breaks to Jota in the box, he needs no invitation to thump home the seventh goal as Luxembourg is in total chaos. At least the visiting fans may take in the Algarve, though.
A GOAL FOR PORTUGAL AT 83′! The white shirts are nowhere to be seen as number eight as Fernandes passes home from the Horta through the middle. It’s going to be a terrible, terrible night for Luxembourg as coach Luc Holtz retreats up the tunnel in despair.
THE NINTH IS IN 88′! Portugal is going to win by a record margin as they now lead 9-0. Joo Félix with the unconventional finish. After being set up by Ruben Neves, a fantastic finish.