Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice, together with a superb bicycle kick, as Portugal booked their spot within the Nations League quarter-finals with a 5-1 thrashing of Poland tonight.
The 39-year-old netted his 134th and one hundred and thirty fifth worldwide objectives because the guests have been brushed apart after a goalless first half.
Certainly, it took 59 minutes for Roberto Martinez’s males to search out the breakthrough, Rafael Leao nodding in Nuno Mendes’ left-wing cross simply after Diogo Costa had made a superb save to disclaim Dominik Marczuk on the different finish.
Ronaldo acquired his first of the evening from the spot to make it 2-0 earlier than a blistering strike from Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes added to Poland’s distress.
There was nonetheless time for Pedro Neto so as to add a fourth from a Ronaldo move and the Al Nassr striker saved the most effective until final by acrobatically changing Vitinha’s cross with three minutes to go.
Marczuk pulled one again nevertheless it was scant comfort for a Poland facet who should keep away from defeat to Scotland on Monday in the event that they want to stay in League A.
RONALDO BICYCLE KICK 🚨#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/WTi0TzDGNO
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) November 15, 2024
Scots nonetheless alive
Backside spot within the group continues to be up for grabs after John McGinn got here off the bench to internet a late winner for Steve Clarke’s males as they beat Croatia 1-0 at Hampden Park.
Regardless of the defeat, which noticed Petar Sucic despatched off simply earlier than half-time, Croatia will likely be assured second in the event that they keep away from defeat in opposition to Portugal or Scotland don’t beat Poland.
If that occurs, they may be part of Portugal, France, Germany, Italy and Spain in reaching the final eight.
Spain see off Danes
Spain had already certified however nonetheless loved a 2-1 win in Denmark tonight.
Targets from Mikel Oyarzabal and Ayoze Perez put the European champions in management though they needed to maintain on when Gustav Isaksen, who had earlier hit the woodwork, halved the deficit with six minutes to go.
Switzerland stay backside of the group, A4, after Aleksa Terzic’s late objective gave Serbia a 1-1 attract Zurich.
Aleksandar Mitrovic noticed a penalty saved by dwelling goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and Switzerland then went forward by way of Zeki Amdouni earlier than Terzic struck with two minutes to go.
Controversy in Romania
In Group C3, there have been wins for Northern Eire, who beat Belarus 2-0, and Bulgaria, who edged to a 1-0 win in Luxembourg.
In C2, Cyprus beat Lithuania 2-1 whereas the sport between Romania and Kosovo was deserted late on when the Kosovan gamers walked off the sector in protest at chants of “Serbia” from the house followers.
San Marino and Gibraltar drew 1-1 in D1.
