After the two goals scored in the victory against Liechtenstein last Thursday, Ronaldo scored another two in Luxembourg (9 and 31). The other goals were scored by Joao Felix (15), Bernardo Silva (18), Otavio (7) and Rafael Leao (88).
“Our start was very strong. We stopped the possible counterattacks from Luxembourg and, as a team, we created clear chances and very well finished off. A complete game with the ball, for the reaction to losing the ball and for keeping a clean sheet”, ‘Bob’ Martínez highlighted, although the coach admitted that there is still “a lot of work” for the team to play as he wants.
“It’s important to play as a team, to open up the game with the ball. We work so that the players understand what we want and it’s been a good start, but we have to improve and work much more together.”
In this group J, Portugal is the leader with a total of 6 points, followed by Slovakia with 4 after winning 2-0 against Bosnia, which remains with three points, tied with Iceland, which thrashed Liechtenstein 7-0.
Despite the weakness of the rival, the new Portugal coach Roberto Martínez made no changes in the offensive sector with respect to the team that thrashed Liechtenstein 4-0 on Thursday, with Bruno Fernandes and Joao Palhinha in the midfield, Joao Felix and Bernardo Silva of couplings and Cristiano Ronaldo as the most advanced man. And the Spanish coach’s bet was once again positive, since the Seleçao resolved the ballot in just half an hour.
The Portuguese captain showed that despite his 38 years he has not lost his scoring nose and opened the scoring in minute 9: Bruno Fernandes’ cross from the right, Nuno Mendes at the far post headed into the heart of the small area and Ronaldo pushed the ball to network.
With hardly any reaction time, Luxemburgo conceded the second on a header from Joao Felix to a cross from Bernardo Silva (15). The Manchester City midfielder scored the third, also with a cross header, from Palhinha’s center (18).
And CR7, in his 198th international game, closed the win in the first half with another trademark action: a deep pass from Bruno Fernandes and in a one-on-one Ronaldo beats the local goalkeeper Anthony Moris with a ball hit the post (31).
Goals by Otavio and Rafael Leao
Ronaldo, who already has the record for caps and goals in national team matches (122 with the double against Luxembourg), left his position to Gonçalo Ramos at game time, when the game had already declined in intensity and Martínez was trying to to revive his team with changes.
And the coach was right again, since the fifth goal featured two players who had just entered the field, when Otavio headed a Rafael Leao cross into the net to complete the hand (77). The Milan winger could have even increased the difference, but Moris saved a penalty shot by Leao (85), who seconds later again had a very clear chance, but a defender took his shot on the line (86).
Finally, Leao found a reward for his insistence and beat Moris with a cross shot after a good personal move (88).