Portugal 4-0 Switzerland Rampant Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo gave an emphatic reminder of his value to Portugal as he fired them to a 4-0 victory over Switzerland in the Nations League.The veteran forward and captain was rested to the bench for his countrys opener with Spain on Thursday, forced to make do with a half-hour cameo in the1-1 draw.But the Manchester United star sent a searing me sage of his indispensability to coach Fernando Santos on his return to the starting line-up, bagging a double after setting up the opener for the hosts atEstadio Jose Alvalade.For Murat YakinsSwi s visitors, a second defeat of theNations League in as many games leaves
Freeman McNeil Jersey them facing a tough remaining schedule, after losing to the Czech Republic last time out. It could have been so different though, after a lively start in Lisbon looked to have thrown up a wretched start for the hosts when Haris Seferovic
Braden Mann Jersey prodded in fromclose range amid a crowded box.Portugal were let off the hook, however, when VAR intervened to deem Fabian Schar had committed a handball infringement in the build-up from Xherdan Shaqiris corner.After that early scare, Santos side sought to impose themselves and were rewarded on the quarter-hour mark when William Carvalho tapped home the rebound after Ronaldos free-kick was pushed out.From there, Ronaldo unfurled his instinct forhitting goals in rapid succe sion, first doubling his sides lead with a smooth strike from Diogo Jotas cut-back in the 35th minute, before adding a second for himself four minutes later with a tap-in.The captain almosthad a hat-trick before the break, steering an effort wide, and even as the goals dried up after the interval
Sheldrick Redwine Jersey , he remained a potent marshal for Portugals steady hold on the encounter.With a three-goal cushion a bridge too far for Switzerland, the visitors proved particularly toothle s in response. When Joao Cancelo struck in the 68th minute, what little resistance the Swi shad displayed perished as the hosts steered themselves to a resounding victory.What does it mean? Ronaldo roars back with responseSpeaking after Thursdays draw with Spain, Santos suggested he had relegated his captain to the bench for tactical reasons a bold call against Euro 2020 semi-finalists.It undoubtedly fired up Ronaldo, and from the opening whistle in this game the veteran attacker was a prowling presence all over the pitch.With seven shots five of them on target no player had more attempts than him, while only Nuno Mendes produced
Zane Lewis Jersey more key pa ses for the hosts throughout.Skipper extends goal recordOn his 188th appearance for his country, Ronaldo also further extended his lead at the top of the all-time mens international goalscorer charts, after seizing the record from Irans Ali Daei last year.He has now 117 goals, eight more than the
Conor McDermott Jersey latter, and with the Qatar 2022 World Cup looming he has the chance to further bolster his record over the coming months.Swi s left to rue mistakesWith a defensive performance featuring more holes than a Swi s cheese, the visitors will knowthey face an uphill battle to stay in the top tier of the Nations League after this current edition.Yet with just five shots against Portugals 18 and only one after the break it will be their lack of attacking threat that likely concerns coachYakin most.Whats next?Portugal remain in Lisbon to welcome the Czech Republic on Thursday, while Switzerland return home to tackle Spain on the same day.