da dobrowin： The Al-Nassr superstar did what he does best on Friday, scoring twice to secure Roberto Martinez's side's place in Germany next summer
da esoccer bet： Portugal sealed their qualification for Euro 2024 with their 3-2 win over Slovakia on Friday, but they didn't exactly have it all their own way in a thrilling encounter.
Goncalo Ramos scored a header from a superb Bruno Fernandes cross to open the scoring, before Cristiano Ronaldo notched from the penalty spot after a penalty was awarded for handball. Ronaldo should have added his second and his country's third before half-time, but he somehow missed an open goal from six yards out.
Slovakia pulled a goal back with conditions worsening due to heavy rain, as David Hancko's long-range shot was deflected into the bottom corner by Antonio Silva. Ronaldo, though, hit back just three minutes later, tapping in another exceptional Fernandes cross at the back post.
Stanislav Lobotka scored a wonderful goal to reduce the arrears again, sending a dipping, 25-yard effort into the top corner, although Portugal managed to hold out and seal a precious win. The Euros now beckon.
GOAL rates Portugal's players from Estadio do Dragao…
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Diogo Costa (5/10):
Beaten all ends up by Hancko's deflected strike and could not get close to Lobotka's unbelievable goal.
Joao Cancelo (5/10):
Some superb work down the right flank but his end product left something to be desired. Summed that up with a slaloming run ending with a wild effort.
Ruben Dias (6/10):
A leader at the back, constantly organising. Made some good tackles and was never beaten in the air, although Lobotka's goal came from his position.
Antonio Silva (6/10):
Stood up well to Slovakia's aerial threat. Unlucky to see his attempted block send Hancko's shot into the bottom corner.
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
Barely drove up the flank, instead opting to pass as opposed to running. Never beaten down his side, though.
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Joao Palhinha (6/10):
Swept up behind Silva and Fernandes. A composed operator that keeps the midfield ticking. Unfortunate to be booked for a fantastic challenge in midfield. Subbed late on.
Bernardo Silva (6/10):
Some very clever interplay in midfield. Continually played the ball forward, always having his head up. Subbed late on.
Bruno Fernandes (7/10):
Superb cross for Ramos' header and added another when assisting Ronaldo's second, and Portugal's third. Somehow missed a header of his own from four yards that would have capped a great performance.
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Cristiano Ronaldo (7/10):
Scored his 124th goal for his country from the penalty spot. Somehow missed with the goal gaping on the stroke of half-time but made up for it with his second, tapping in Fernandes' cross.
Goncalo Ramos (7/10):
Scored an excellent header from Fernandes' cross. Hit the post as well and ran Slovakia ragged at times.
Rafael Leao (6/10):
His cross won Portugal's penalty. Got down the left flank continually but struggled to create himself a goalscoring chance.
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Joao Felix (6/10):
Replaced Leao. Had a big chance late on but could not quite reach Fernandes' superb cross.
Ruben Neves (6/10):
On late on.
Otavio (6/10):
Came on with minutes left.
Diogo Jota (5/10):
Replaced Ramos late on. Should have scored late on but saw two shots well saved by Martin Dubravka.
Roberto Martinez (6/10):
Not as comfortable as he would have liked, but Martinez got his key selections right, and can now start preparing for the Euros.