September 12, (THEWILL) – Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes took charge in the absence of the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo to lead the national team to a resounding 9-0 victory over Luxembourg late on Monday.
The match, which saw Portugal secure their largest-ever win margin, was a testament to the team’s dominance and their unblemished record of six wins in the qualifying games, with 24 goals scored and none conceded. Manchester United’s playmaker, Fernandes, played a pivotal role in the triumph, contributing three assists and scoring a goal himself, securing Portugal’s commanding victory.
The match began with Sporting Lisbon defender, Goncalo Inacio, heading home the opening goal in the 12th minute, courtesy of Fernandes’ expertly delivered cross. Paris Saint-Germain’s forward, Goncalo Ramos, doubled the lead just minutes later, capitalising on Fernandes’ pressing to regain possession. Ramos later added another goal in the 33rd minute, displaying his clinical finishing skills.
Liverpool’s Diogo Jota and Ricardo Horta also found the back of the net, with the former scoring two goals. Joao Felix, a substitute, sealed Portugal’s record-breaking triumph with a sensational strike from outside the box, for the ninth and final goal of the game.
Under the management of Roberto Martinez, Portugal sits comfortably atop Group J, with a five-point lead over second-placed Slovakia, whom they defeated in Bratislava last Friday. Luxembourg currently holds the third position, trailing Slovakia by three points.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
