Cristiano Ronaldo led the way as Portugal swept aside Armenia in a 5-0 Copa del Mundo qualifying victory on Saturday. The 40-year-old icon struck once in either half and was too much for the Armenian defence to handle as the Selecao registered a convincing victory in their first match since the untimely passing of Diogo Jota.
It was Ronaldo’s new Al-Nassr team-mate Joao Felix who opened the scoring in the 10th minute from a Joao Cancelo cross, heading home to set Roberto Martinez’s side on their way. Eleven minutes later it was two, as Ronaldo diverted home an in-swinging Pedro Neto delivery with one touch of his prolific right boot. With the result already inevitable, Cancelo then turned goal-scorer as the Al-Hilal full-back powered home from the centre of the penalty area.
Just 45 seconds into the second half, Portugal had a fourth and it was Ronaldo again, this time with the best goal of the lot. After a defender turned aside Joao Neves’ through ball, Ronaldo struck a sweet half-volley from 25 yards which flew past goalkeeper Henri Avagyan and high into the net. Despite coming close to netting a hat-trick on a couple of occasions and laying on the ball for Neves to strike the post, the ex-Real Madrid was then withdrawn in the 57th minute. Instead it was left to Felix to round out the scoring with an audacious scorpion flick.
BALLGM rates Portugal’s players from Hanrapetakan Stadium…
Cristiano Ronaldo led the way as Portugal swept aside Armenia in a 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory on Saturday. The 40-year-old icon struck once in either half and was too much for the Armenian defence to handle as the Selecao registered a convincing victory in their first match since the untimely passing of Diogo Jota.
It was Ronaldo’s new Al-Nassr team-mate Joao Felix who opened the scoring in the 10th minute from a Joao Cancelo cross, heading home to set Roberto Martinez’s side on their way. Eleven minutes later it was two, as Ronaldo diverted home an in-swinging Pedro Neto delivery with one touch of his prolific right boot. With the result already inevitable, Cancelo then turned goal-scorer as the Al-Hilal full-back powered home from the centre of the penalty area.
Just 45 seconds into the second half, Portugal had a fourth and it was Ronaldo again, this time with the best goal of the lot. After a defender turned aside Joao Neves’ through ball, Ronaldo struck a sweet half-volley from 25 yards which flew past goalkeeper Henri Avagyan and high into the net. Despite coming close to netting a hat-trick on a couple of occasions and laying on the ball for Neves to strike the post, the ex-Real Madrid was then withdrawn in the 57th minute. Instead it was left to Felix to round out the scoring with an audacious scorpion flick.
BALLGM rates Portugal’s players from Hanrapetakan Stadium…
Diogo Costa (7/10):
Kept a clean sheet but in truth had little to do on the day.
Joao Cancelo (8/10):
Registered a goal and an assist and was a constant thorn in Armenia’s side with his creativity and quality on the ball. Had less to do from a defensive standpoint, but the 31-year-old was solid at both ends of the pitch.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
Similarly to his goalkeeper, Dias was solid at the back without needing to make many game-changing contributions.
Goncalo Inacio (6/10):
Making his 17th international appearance, the Sporting CP centre-back had a comfortable afternoon at the back alongside Dias.
Nuno Mendes (6/10):
A steady if not spectacular performance from arguably the world’s best left-back in 2025.
Joao Neves (7/10):
Worked hard as ever in midfield, breaking forward at will as Portugal mounted attack after attack. Could – and possibly should – have scored after Ronaldo laid the ball on a plate for him in the second half.
Vitinha (7/10):
Controlled the ball in the midfield in a confident performance.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Not quite a game-changing display from the Manchester Unido captain, but it didn’t need to be. Tried to get himself into the box to cause a threat for the Armenian defence and was inches away from a tap-in on a couple of occasions.
Pedro Neto (5/10):
Did little to impose himself on the game and was withdrawn at half-time to be replaced by Trincao.
Cristiano Ronaldo (9/10):
The Portugal icon scored twice, showing two different sides of his finishing ability with a poacher’s goal and a long-range piledriver. Could have had a hat-trick on another day.
Joao Felix (8/10):
Linked up well with new club team-mate Ronaldo and scored twice to bookend the game.
Francisco Trincao (5/10):
Came on at the break and made slightly more of an impact than Neto as Portugal eased through much of the second period with the game already won.
Nuno Tavares (6/10):
Came on for Mendes and played in a couple of dangerous crosses as Portugal continued to create opportunities late on.
Goncalo Ramos (6/10):
Got himself into goal-scoring positions after his introduction for Ronaldo.
Pedro Goncalves (6/10):
Replaced Felix and had some nice touches in and around the penalty area as Portugal looked to cause more havoc. Was presented with what appeared a simple chance to score after a poor back-pass, but Avagyan made an improbable save.
Joao Palhinha (N/A):
Came on with just over 10 minutes to play to shore up the midfield.
Roberto Martinez (8/10):
Started with a strong side and that proved a smart choice, as the game was won very quickly in the first half. Martinez withdrew key men such as Ronaldo in the second half and utilised his squad well.
