NEW DELHI: Portugal delivered a resounding performance on Monday as they secured a historic 9-0 victory against Luxembourg in the absence of their suspended star player Cristiano Ronaldo. The win, the largest in Portugal's history, underscores their dominance in Group J of the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Managed by Roberto Martinez, Portugal have maintained an impeccable record in the qualifiers, having won all six of their games, scoring 24 goals and conceding none. They currently top the Group J standings, holding a five-point lead over second-placed Slovakia, whom they defeated in Bratislava just days before this spectacular win. Luxembourg stand third in the group, trailing Slovakia by three points.
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes played a pivotal role in Portugal's victory, contributing three assists and scoring a goal himself. With Ronaldo unavailable, the spotlight was on Fernandes, who demonstrated his creative prowess on the field.
Portugal's goals came from various players, with Goncalo Ramos, Diogo Jota, and Goncalo Inacio each scoring twice, while Ricardo Horta and Joao Felix also added to the tally.
The scoring extravaganza began in the 12th minute when Sporting Lisbon defender Inacio headed the ball into the net from a sublime cross by Fernandes, showcasing his exceptional vision.
Goncalo Ramos, the 22-year-old Paris Saint-Germain striker, extended Portugal's lead five minutes later with a well-executed strike. Ramos further solidified his presence by adding another goal in the 33rd minute, displaying his clinical finishing ability.
Liverpool striker Diogo Jota came close to adding another as he struck the crossbar, highlighting Portugal's dominance in the match.
Inacio secured his second goal just before half-time, once again capitalizing on Fernandes' precise delivery. Jota continued Portugal's scoring spree early in the second half, with Fernandes again playing a pivotal role in setting up the goal.
Portugal's relentless attack continued, and they matched their previous best win, an 8-0 victory, on three occasions. Horta contributed to the scoreline with a powerful strike from outside the box, and Jota followed up with his second goal of the night.
Fernandes, who orchestrated Portugal's stunning performance, fittingly capped his display with a goal, adding to the tally and emphasizing his importance in Ronaldo's absence.
Substitute Joao Felix put the cherry on top with a superb ninth goal, securing Portugal's place in the record books with their unprecedented 9-0 victory over Luxembourg.
With AFP inputs
