While Portugal might have needed a second-half flurry to get the job done on Thursday night, Roberto Martinez’s side extended on their EURO 24 qualifying romp as they secured a 2-0 victory against Liechtenstein.
Although the former European champions might have been frustrated for large spells, Portugal came roaring back after the interval as the record-breaking Cristiano Ronaldo produced a screamer just seconds after the half-time break.
Continuing on what has been a Group J romp this year and already breezing their way to EURO 24 without having to get out of second gear, Martinez’s superstar squad have made quite the statement of intent.
With Barcelona defender Joao Cancelo bagging his 10th international strike just 11 minutes after Ronaldo’s opener, Portugal have now won each of their nine qualifying appearances by an aggregate score of 34-2.
Eventually breezing past the Group J whipping boys on Thursday night and watching Liechtenstein extend on their qualifying nightmare, we have taken a look at the key talking points from Vadiz.
Portugal make another statement ahead of EURO 24
While Portugal might have suffered World Cup frustration out in Qatar over the winter as they eventually had to settle for a quarter-final finish, the European giants certainly haven’t shown any signs of a hangover this year.
Only continuing to shine since they appointed Martinez earlier in the year, Thursday’s guests are certainly riding a major wave of momentum.
Breezing their way to EURO 24 and not really having to get out of second gear, the former Belgium boss now finds his squad tipped as a genuine contender when they arrive in Germany next year.
Although Portugal might have been frustrated for large spells here, the Navigators have won each of their nine Group J appearances and they have certainly gained a fearsome reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third.
In fact, along with securing a record-breaking 9-0 romp when they welcomed Luxembourg to Lisbon back on September 11th, the former European champions have notched a stunning 32 goals in their nine qualifying appearances.
Ronaldo makes even more international history
While Portugal might have extended on their EURO 24 qualifying romp in midweek, it was certainly Cristiano Ronaldo who once again stole all of Martinez’s headlines.
Although the five-time Ballon d’Or winner might have made a blockbuster move to Saudi Arabia last year, the ex-Manchester United superstar has continued on another record-breaking flurry.
Making his 207th international appearance for the former European champions on Thursday night, it is no secret that Ronaldo will have a leading role to play when Portugal arrive in Germany next year.
Only continuing to cement the fact that he is still Portugal’s poster boy heading in 2024, the 38-year-old icon scored a world record-extending 128th international goal here.
Ronaldo has remained prolific for his country despite leaving Manchester United for the Saudi league, scoring 10 goals for Portugal this year. Ali Daei s 108 goals for Iran was the previous men s goalscoring world record.
Liechtenstein’s qualifying nightmare continues
While Liechtenstein might have always been tipped as a landslide contender to lift the wooden spoon in Group J this year, Thursday’s hosts have endured a real qualifying nightmare.
Although Konrad Funfstuck s men might have frustrated Portugal for large spells of the first-half here, the Blues are certainly limping their way over the finish line.
Signing off October’s international break with another toothless performance as they suffered a 4-0 drumming away at Iceland, Liechtenstein have lost each of their nine Group J appearances and they have failed to put a single point on the board.
Losing those nine Group J appearances by an aggregate score of 27-1, the midweek hosts are in the midst of a history-making nightmare.
In fact, Funfstuck s struggling squad have remarkably lost all of their last 22 straight showdowns across all competitions a run that stems back to a 1-1 draw against Armenia back in September 2021.
Match Report
Liechtenstein: B. Buchel, Malin, Wieser, Traber, Beck, Luchinger, M. Buchel, Sele, Goppel, Hasler, Salanovic
Subs: Hofer, Kranz, Russo, Meier, Marxer
Portugal: Sa, Cancelo, Antonio Silva, Toti, Jota, Neves, Fernandes, B. Silva, Ronaldo, Ramos, Felix
Subs: Neves, Vitinha, Mario, Horta, Bruma
Goals: Ronaldo (46’), Cancelo (57’)
Yellow Cards: Liechtenstein: Luchinger Portugal: Jota
Red Cards: N/A
Referee: Mohammed Al-Hakim
