Cristiano Ronaldo Scores Brace in Portugal Win vs Armenia

On Saturday, Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Felix of Portugal scored twice, sweeping Armenia away 5-0. To the delight of Jose Martinez, his side began their World Cup qualifiers on a perfect note.

It was not difficult for the Nations League champions to neutralise Armenia’s weak attacking threat. After their fourth goal, they switched key players and displayed their momentum to demonstrate a more creative style, which completed a dream start in Group F.

Portugal only took 10 minutes before going ahead and this time Joao Cancelo got to the byline and sent an accurate cross to Felix’s head, who had no trouble breaking the deadlock.

The lead was doubled in 21 minutes by Ronaldo who breached his marker to finish a cross at a close distance with his 139th international goal. It was followed by the rout, with the addition of Cancelo, making it three goals for the Portuguese side, salvaging Felix’s cut-back after 32 minutes.

Another moment of genius came just a minute later when Ronaldo unleashed a thunderbolt of a volley that came flying in over 50 yards and slapped the net. The Armenian goalkeeper, Henri Avagyan, had the slightest of touches but was unable to deflect it.

As the fourth goal established Portugal’s domination, the visitors started playing with more freedom as they sought creative methods of creating more opportunities.

At the next moment, Felix united chance and skill as he charged into the box to receive a rebound of a blocked shot, which appeared to pass through him, only to be met by the forward with a nimble back-heel and a goal for Portugal.

Visitors made a sixth late attempt, but Avagyan made two good saves before the referee whistled full time, nearly the moment beyond which the stopwatch was running, terminating the rout.