The Al-Nassr star bagged his 128th goal in international football to snatch a win after an overall poor showing
Cristiano Ronaldo played hero to salvage an otherwise unsteady Portugal performance, grabbing the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein. Although the Selecao kept a clean sheet — and outshot their opponents 29-5 — this was hardly a crisp showing. Martinez's side often struggled to carve out chances, and will feel this should have been a far more comfortable win.
Portugal created little in the first half, often frustrated by a diligent defensive setup from the hosts. The Selecao tallied 14 shots, but only put four on target in the opening period. Ronaldo came closest at the end of the half, driving an effort directly at Benjamin Buchel in stoppage time.
The captain's opener was something of a throwback, the winger scampering down the left channel before rifling a shot past a helpless goalkeeper. Joao Cancelo added a second soon after, curling home a fine finish after a Buchel blunder. Goncalo Ramos had a third ruled out to cap off a slightly frustrating night.
Portugal really should have made this easier. With nearly 200 spots separating these two sides in the FIFA rankings, the Selecao shouldn't have needed so long to find the net, or waited so long to pull away after that. Still, with Euro 2024 qualification nailed down, this was effectively a runout for a side that might be in with a shout to make some noise next summer — especially if their main man is still leading the line.
GOAL rates Portugal's players from Rheinpark Stadion…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Jose Sa (6/10):
Made a smart stop to maintain his side's 2-0 lead. Was otherwise uninvolved.
Antonio Silva (6/10):
Nowhere to be found on Liechtenstein's only chance. Did well in keeping the ball moving.
Ruben Neves (6/10):
A makeshift centre-back on a day when his side didn't have much defending to do.
Toti Gomes (6/10):
A solid debut, even if he had very little to do.
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Diogo Jota (7/10):
Perhaps misused on the left, but still made things happen. Assisted Ronaldo's opener. Much more comfortable when moved to a central position.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Created two chances, swung in some dangerous deliveries for Ronaldo and Ramos. Visibly frustrated after the odd miscue. Pretty much a typical performance.
Bernardo Silva (5/10):
As lively as ever on the ball, yet never found the killer pass. Deservedly removed after an hour.
Joao Cancelo (6/10):
Plenty of quality when dribbling, but his passing was off at times. Redeemed himself with a lovely finish for Portugal's second.
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Joao Felix (5/10):
Started slowly, but looked far livelier as his side seized control of the contest after the break. Still, he's slowed down after an emphatic start to the season.
Goncalo Ramos (4/10):
Given his chance to recapture form while leading the line. Missed a free header after 30 minutes, and tried to do too much throughout. Had a goal ruled out. Off the pace, at the moment.
Cristiano Ronaldo (8/10):
Fired at the goalie twice towards the end of the first half. Made no such mistake in the second, and took his goal wonderfully.
Subs & Manager
Ricardo Horta (5/10):
Not really involved.
Vitinha (6/10):
Pulled the strings nicely in midfield.
Bruma (6/10):
A threat down the left. Deserves another look.
Joao Mario (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Joao Neves (N/A):
No time to make an impact.
Roberto Martinez (7/10):
Went for an astoundingly attacking lineup, which made sense given the opposition. His side weren't exactly spellbinding, but he will take the win. Job done.