Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence did not show at all thanks to Portugal’s dominant performance.
After slipping up in two consecutive matches, Portugal erased any doubts with a commanding display in the final game. Bruno Fernandes and João Neves both scored hat-tricks as Roberto Martinez’s side celebrated a goal fest against Armenia to secure their spot at the World Cup.
Ronaldo missed Sunday’s World Cup qualifier in Porto due to a red card in the previous match. Despite the captain’s absence, his teammates ensured it went unnoticed. The hosts won convincingly, 9-1.
Renato Veiga opened the scoring for Portugal, followed by Gonçalo Ramos doubling the lead. The goal spree continued with Fernandes and Neves both completing hat-tricks, and Francisco Figueiredo scored the final goal.
Portugal’s dominance was evident throughout the match, and the scoreline could have been even higher. They controlled possession for 75 percent of the game, taking 34 shots, 15 of which were on target. Armenia managed only four shots, two of them on target.
With four wins and one draw in six matches, Portugal topped Group F with 13 points, earning direct qualification for the World Cup.
Meanwhile, in another match, the Republic of Ireland staged a remarkable comeback. After beating Portugal in their previous game, the Irish fell behind for much of their match in Hungary but scored two late goals to win 3-2. With 10 points, Ireland finished as group runners-up and will advance to the playoffs. Hungary, with 8 points, saw all hopes dashed.
Portugal had started their qualifiers by beating Armenia 5-0 at the Armenian ground. The UEFA Nations League winners from last June have now comfortably secured their World Cup berth.
From the first minute, Portugal pressed hard and attacked relentlessly. Early success came in the seventh minute when Bruno Fernandes’ free kick from the left was saved by the goalkeeper, but Renato Veiga was on hand to head it into the net.
Armenia responded 11 minutes later with a somewhat fortunate goal. On a counterattack, Ramos delivered a perfect cross from the right, and though Eduard could not get a proper shot, the ball deflected off him into the net.
However, Armenia’s brief respite was gone within 10 minutes. Portugal took control, scoring twice within two minutes. In the 28th minute, a defensive blunder allowed Ramos to score from a loose ball, followed quickly by Neves, who struck powerfully from outside the box to extend the lead.
Portugal’s attacking storm continued for the rest of the first half, removing all doubt about the outcome before halftime. In the 41st minute, Neves curled a superb free kick from outside the box into the net, the ball deflecting off the wall and crossbar. Moments later, Fernandes converted a successful spot-kick, further pressing Armenia.
Early in the second half, Fernandes scored again. He received a cutback from Ramos inside the box and slotted home his second goal of the match.
In the 70th minute, substitute Carlos Forbes earned a penalty after being fouled in the box, and Fernandes converted, completing his hat-trick.
Neves completed his hat-trick in the 81st minute. Receiving a header pass outside the six-yard box, the 21-year-old midfielder slotted home with a right-footed strike.
Portugal’s attacking hunger was still not satisfied. In the second minute of added time, Francisco Figueiredo added another goal, netting from outside the box to complete the goal fest for the Portuguese side.
