Portugal secured their place on the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 9-1 win over Armenia on Sunday, confirming that Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to hitch Lionel Messi as one of many first footballers to look in six World Cup tournaments.
Regardless of serving a suspension after his crimson card within the defeat to Eire, Ronaldo watched his aspect seal the highest spot in Group F and keep on target for a historic marketing campaign. The 39-year-old has indicated the event in the US, Canada and Mexico might be his last shot at lifting the one trophy lacking from his illustrious profession.
In his absence, Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves every delivered hat-trick performances to energy Portugal to an emphatic victory. The outcome not solely cemented their dominance within the group with 13 factors but additionally ensured the crew’s momentum stays intact as Ronaldo prepares for what might be his World Cup farewell.
Fernandes was on the coronary heart of Portugal’s attacking show, scoring 3 times, together with two penalties, whereas Neves struck twice within the first half earlier than finishing his treble within the 81st minute. Reflecting on his first targets for the nationwide crew, Neves stated, “Crucial factor was qualifying for the World Cup. For me, as I at all times say, the crew at all times comes earlier than the person,” including, “I am very blissful to have scored my first purpose for the nationwide crew, and my second and third as effectively. I am blissful to have the ability to share the pitch with nice gamers and an excellent crew.”
Portugal opened the scoring early by Renato Veiga’s close-range header within the seventh minute, just for Armenia to degree by Eduard Spertsyan. That temporary second of parity, Armenia’s third purpose of the qualifiers, was swiftly erased as Portugal surged forward. Gonalo Ramos restored the lead, Neves added a brace—together with an outstanding free kick—and Fernandes transformed from the spot to present the hosts a 5–1 benefit on the interval.
The second half noticed Portugal proceed their relentless strategy. Fernandes netted twice extra, one from a Ramos help and one other penalty, earlier than Neves accomplished his hat trick. Francisco Conceio hammered in a long-range strike in stoppage time to spherical off the rout. Armenia, regardless of early resistance, struggled to deal with Portugal’s urgent and fluid transitions, with Diogo Costa and the again line comfortably managing what little risk got here their manner.
Portugal head coach Roberto Martnez praised his aspect’s response after the earlier setback. “Right now we noticed our crew again to its greatest: dedicated, supportive and executing the sport plan excellently,” he stated, noting that his resolution to rotate the squad paid off even with out their suspended captain.
Armenia coach Yegishe Melikyan admitted his gamers had been overmatched. “We’ve a younger crew and we aren’t able to play in opposition to groups as highly effective as Portugal. After video games like this, we might be stronger sooner or later,” he stated. “We made errors that mentally broke our crew and we weren’t anticipating the errors that occurred for Portugal’s second and third targets. We aren’t but mentally ready for these types of video games.”
With qualification secured, Ronaldo now prepares to hitch Lionel Messi in changing into the primary gamers to look at six World Cup finals, surpassing earlier record-holder Lothar Matthäus. Argentina have already booked their place, and as Portugal sit up for 2026, their captain will hope his sixth and last World Cup delivers the one accolade that has eluded him.
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