Portugal’s national football team delivered a historic performance as they trounced Luxembourg 9-0 in the Euro 2024 qualifying match, setting a new record for their biggest win ever. The absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was suspended due to a booking in the previous game, did not hinder Portugal’s stellar performance, with his teammates showcasing their prowess in front of goal. Liverpool’s Diogo Jota was the standout performer, scoring twice, while Goncalo Inacio and Goncalo Ramos also found the back of the net. Joao Felix, who came off the bench, added another goal to seal the victory.
The star of the show, however, was Bruno Fernandes, who led Portugal to an emphatic 9-0 victory in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. Fernandes, the captain of Manchester United, continued his outstanding form at Estadio Algarve, where he had previously netted the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Slovakia. Fernandes contributed significantly to the goal-fest, providing two crucial assists to Goncalo Inacio and assisting in Goncalo Ramos’s first-half brace. His playmaking abilities were on full display, elevating Portugal’s performance to an elite level.
While the final scoreline may suggest an easy victory for Portugal, it was a testament to their exceptional skills. Diogo Jota even struck the crossbar in the first half before capitalizing on a brilliant pass from Bruno Fernandes to score the fifth goal in the 57th minute. Jota later turned provider, setting up substitute Ricardo Horta for a thunderous strike in the 66th minute, before adding his second goal in the 77th minute. Fernandes himself joined the goal-scoring party, finding the net for Portugal’s eighth goal in the 83rd minute, while Joao Felix completed the rout with a splendid finish in the 88th minute. This victory marked Portugal’s most significant win in their history.
With this commanding victory, Portugal now boasts 18 points from their first six qualifiers in Group J, securing a comfortable five-point lead over Slovakia. Remarkably, they have yet to concede a goal in the qualification campaign, having accumulated an impressive 24 goals without reply. It appears only a matter of time before Portugal secures their spot in Euro 2024, making them one of the teams to watch in the upcoming tournament.
Key Takeaway:
Portugal’s dominant performance against Luxembourg showcased their strength and depth, even in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. While Luxembourg may not be the strongest opponent, Portugal’s ability to excel without their star player highlights their potential as contenders for the Euro 2024 trophy.”
Player of the Match – Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
Bruno Fernandes, the playmaker for Manchester United, delivered an exceptional performance in this match. His playmaking skills were simply irresistible, making him unplayable for Luxembourg’s defense. Fernandes played a pivotal role in Portugal’s victory by consistently providing precise passes and scoring a goal himself. As he continues to shine, Manchester United fans eagerly anticipate his contributions in the upcoming Premier League matches.
Player Ratings
Portugal:
- Diogo Costa: 6
- Goncalo Inacio: 7
- Ruben Dias: 8
- Diogo Dalot: 7
- Nelson Semedo: 8
- Danilo Pereira: 7
- Bernardo Silva: 8
- Bruno Fernandes: 9
- Goncalo Ramos: 8
- Rafael Leao: 8
- Diogo Jota: 8
Substitutes:
- Joao Cancelo: 7
- Rúben Neves: 7
- Joao Felix: 8
- Ricardo Horta: 8
Luxembourg:
- Anthony Moris: 6
- Maxime Chanot: 4
- Enes Mahmutovic: 4
- Laurent Jans: 4
- Mica Pinto: 4
- Florian Bohnert: 4
- Leandro Barreiro: 5
- Timothe Rupil: 4
- Danel Sinani: 4
- Yvandro Borges Sanches: 4
- Alessio Curci: 4
Substitutes:
- Seid Korac: 4
- Vincent Thill: 4
- Sebastien Thill: 5
- Lars Gerson: 4
- Dirk Carlson: 4
Match Highlights
12′ – Portugal takes the lead as Gonçalo Inácio scores with a powerful header from Bruno Fernandes’ brilliant cross.
18′ – Portugal extends their lead to 2-0 as Goncalo Ramos finishes with style from a pass by Bernardo Silva, showcasing superb teamwork.
33′ – Goncalo Ramos scores his second goal of the match with a brilliant finish after a great run and cross by Rafael Leão. Portugal leads 3-0.
45+3′ – Portugal’s fourth goal comes as Gonçalo Inácio heads in another cross from Bruno Fernandes. The first half ends with Portugal leading 4-0.
57′ – Diogo Jota races through and scores Portugal’s fifth goal after a terrific pass by Bruno Fernandes.
67′ – Substitute Ricardo Horta adds Portugal’s sixth goal with a blistering shot after an assist from Jota. VAR confirms the goal as valid.
77′ – Portugal’s seventh goal is scored by Jota, capitalizing on a loose ball in the box.
83′ – Bruno Fernandes nets Portugal’s eighth goal after receiving a pass from Horta, leaving Luxembourg’s defense helpless.
88′ – Portugal seals their 9-0 victory with a splendid goal from João Félix, who was set up by Rúben Neves.”
