A good entry into the game that ended in a rout, with a hat trick by Cristiano Ronaldo. Portugal played well, beating Luxembourg 5-0, in a game played this Tuesday, October 12, at Estádio Algarve, and added three more points in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.
If Saturday had already been a party night at Estádio Algarve, this Tuesday the Algarve venue was once again well composed in supporting the national team.
And the 18 thousand fans in the stands could not ask for a better entry into the field for Portugal. With an 11 almost at full strength, the first goal came at the 6th minute.
Bernardo Silva was fouled inside the area and the referee did not hesitate to award a penalty. Called to convert, Ronaldo scored. In the stadium, the traditional “Siiii” was heard.
Still barely remade from the celebrations, the fans once again screamed a goal in the 10th minute, with another penalty. This time, Ronaldo was fouled and converted the penalty into a goal, scoring another goal at the Estádio Algarve, stage where, just now, he broke the record for goals by national teams.
Portugal was doing well in the game, defending loudly and not letting the Luxembourg team play. The excellent entry was eventually offset by another goal.
In the 18th minute, Bernardo Silva – one of the best on the field – unmarked Bruno Fernandes who, leaning to the right, sent a cross to the back of the net. It was 3-0.
From the third, the game slowed down, but Portugal never stopped dominating the match. Opportunities only returned at 44′, by Ronaldo, who, inside the area, shot at half-turn for defense and, at 45′, when Bernardo Silva almost scored in an acrobatic way.
As happened in the first half, Portugal also started well in the second half. In the 48th minute, a corner resulted in a confused move in which André Silva and Palhinha tried to score, but without success.
Soon after, Cristiano almost scored the hat-trick, but the detour, after a pass by Nuno Mendes, went a little too far.
Despite Portugal's dominance, the truth is that, when they had the ball, Luxembourg was showing some quality.
Luc Holtz' team's first dangerous move is an example of this, as it resulted in a good collective play. Sinani's shot forced Rui Patrício to apply (54′).
In the opposing goal, Ronaldo almost scored a real goal, in a bicycle kick, saved for corner by Anthony Moris.
Following this set-piece, Portugal scored. Palhinha anticipated the Luxembourg goalkeeper, who had a false start, and headed it 4-0 (69′).
Ronaldo tried several times and the so desired hat-trick appeared in the 87th minute. The cross was from Rúben Neves and the Portuguese striker headed it. 5-0: the final result was done.
The team won – and won well, now totaling 16 points in 6 games. Portugal is in 2nd place in the qualifying group, but has one game less than Serbia.
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