Diogo Jota took centre stage for Portugal in what turned out to be a rather controversial evening against Serbia on Saturday night.
The Liverpool forward was handed a start for his national team in the World Cup qualifier, after being left out of their previous match against Azerbaijan.
Jota has been in fine form for the Reds this season in his debut campaign on Merseyside, scoring 10 goals in all competitions despite missing close to three months of action with a knee injury.
On his first outing for Portugal since November, Jota scored two goals as his country were held to a 2-2 draw with Serbia to take his total for the Selecao to five goals from just 11 caps.
Second half strikes from Aleksandar Mitrovic and Filip Kostic rescued a draw for the home side in Belgrade, but there was to be controversy in the closing moments of the contest.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo thought he’d won the game when his effort, upon closer inspection, appeared to cross the line in stoppage time.
However, the tie did not have goal-line technology so no goal was awarded, even though it was clear that the ball did cross the line.
Ronaldo could not hide his frustration over the decision not to award a goal, and showed his anger by walking off the pitch moments before the full-time whistle was blown, throwing his captain’s armband to the ground as he did.
After the game, Ronaldo posted on Instagram a message to supporters.
“Being captain of the Portugal team is one of the greatest pride and privileges of my life,” Ronaldo wrote.
“I always give and will give everything for my country, that will never change.
“But there are difficult times to deal with, especially when we feel that an entire nation is being harmed.
“Lift your head and face the next challenge now! Strength, Portugal.”
Despite the controversy in the closing moments of the game, Jota certainly caught the eye of Liverpool fans, who took to social media to praise the forward.
Here's a selection of what they had to say.
LFCfooty: “Ronaldo this Bruno that, Dias this cancelo that... Jota >>>> all of them.”
AnfieldRd96: “Jota is already worth more than the £41 million we paid for him.”
Magical Mo: “Diogo Jota is the second best Portugal player in the Premier League after Cristiano Ronaldo. Not Bruno Fernandes.”
Zak: “Yeah so anyways Jota is a really good footballer btw.”
Moe: “The way Jota can score with both feet , score with headers , dribble , take man on etc is so so good.”
TT: “Jota’s so good man. Scores goals off the bench, with his head, weak foot, solo goals, match-winners, tap-ins, one on ones, hattricks. Plays as a left winger, right winger, centre forward too. Ridiculously complete and he’s only 24. So excited about him.”
