Portugal 9-0 Luxembourg: Diogo Jota scores twice, Bruno Fernandes stars in absence of Cristiano Ronaldo
Baku, September 12, AZERTAC
A Bruno Fernandes-inspired Portugal turned on the style to complete a record 9-0 rout of hapless Luxembourg as the Euro 2016 winners moved to the brink of Euro 2024 qualification, according to Eurosport.
With Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo suspended, Manchester United captain Fernandes continued his outstanding form at Estadio Algarve after rifling home the winner in the 1-0 success in Slovakia on Friday evening.
He twice provided crosses for Goncalo Inacio to find the net with powerful headers and was also involved as Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos helped himself to a first-half double with expert finishes as Robert Martinez's side moved 4-0 clear at the interval.
In truth, the scoreline flattered the visiting side with Diogo Jota hitting the bar in the first half before he raced onto another brilliant Bruno ball to convert the fifth on 57 minutes.
Jota then played provider for substitute Ricardo Horta to thump a blistering finish into the net on 66 minutes before he weighed in with a second of his own on 77 minutes.
Fernandes got in on the act with number eight from a Horta pass on 83 minutes before Joao Felix rifled home the ninth with a splendid finish on 88 minutes to complete the filleting, Portugal’s heaviest victory of all time.
Portugal move onto 18 points from their first six qualifiers in Group J, five points clear of Slovakia. They have yet to lose a goal in qualifying having totted up a whopping 24 without reply.
It is only a matter of time before they book their trip to Germany next summer.
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