Nations League

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Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice.(Bild: Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Cristiano Ronaldo has added to his goal tally in the Nations League. In Portugal's 5:1 win over Poland on Friday evening, the 39-year-old got himself on the scoresheet with goals number 134 and 135 in his national shirt. Portugal thus made it through to the quarter-finals. Croatia lost the parallel match in Scotland 0:1.

Cristiano Ronaldo was initially annoyed in Porto. The 39-year-old volleyed over the crossbar at the end of the first half and gesticulously complained about an alleged foul on him, which earned him a yellow card.

The Poles, who were without Robert Lewandowski but with Salzburg defender Kamil Piatkowski, had had the better chances to take the lead. However, Porto keeper Diogo Costa once again performed strongly.

(Bild: Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Dream goal
Portugal finally got their reward from a perfectly executed counter-attack, with Rafael Leao playing the starring role. The Milan striker was unstoppable after winning the ball in his own penalty area, sprinted across almost the entire pitch and scored with his head after a one-two with Nuno Mendes (59'). Ronaldo, once again pursued by speedsters, was then allowed to step up to the penalty spot after Poland's Jakub Kiwior had blocked with his hand.

Portugal's captain did not miss the chance (72'). Bruno Fernandes followed up with a shot into the far corner (80'), Pedro Neto (83') made it 4:0, before Ronaldo finished spectacularly with a side-footed shot against a completely distraught Poland (87').

 

(Bild: AFP or licensors)

Poland managed to score a consolation goal shortly afterwards, but no longer have a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.

Croatia lose
In the parallel match, Scotland beat Croatia 1:0 after a late goal from John McGinn (86'). The visitors were outnumbered for a half after Petar Sucic (44') was shown a yellow card.