Cristiano Ronaldo revels in yet another goal, doubling Portugal’s lead over Poland © Sergei GAPON / AFP
For the third consecutive Nations League match, Ronaldo scored, helping Portugal achieve a stellar 3-1 victory against Poland on a lovely Saturday.
In Warsaw’s Group A1 tussle, Bernardo Silva and Ronaldo put Portugal comfortably 2-0 ahead by halftime.
Poland’s Piotr Zielinski sparked a glimmer of hope with a late goal in the second half, but any comeback dreams were dashed when Jan Bednarek unintentionally scored in his own net.
“We devoted the last few days to meticulous preparation, crafting strategies, and executing them with flair,” remarked Portugal’s coach Roberto Martinez.
“I’m thrilled with our game management.”
Portugal broke the deadlock after 26 minutes. Ruben Neves sent a brilliant ball into the box, finding Bruno Fernandes, who deftly laid it off for Silva, clinching his 96th appearance, to volley home.
Patience and determination soon paid off, as Portugal, exploiting Poland’s reliance on counter-attacks, scored again 10 minutes later.
Rafael Leao charged towards the penalty area, launching a ferocious shot that ricocheted off the post.
Ronaldo, sharp as a tack, pounced on the rebound, securing his impressive 133rd international goal.
This triumph marked the seasoned 39-year-old’s third consecutive scoring feat in this season’s Nations League after hitting the net against Croatia and Scotland.
Feeling assured, Martinez substituted Ronaldo and Leao around the 60-minute mark, bringing on Diogo Jota and Francisco Trincao.
As tension mounted, Zielinski ignited Polish hopes by slashing the deficit to 2-1 in the 78th minute.
The Inter Milan maestro beautifully orchestrated a give-and-go with substitute Kacper Urbanski before neatly slotting it beyond Diogo Silva.
However, Portugal reinstated their comfort when Bednarek accidentally turned the ball into his own net following a cross from Nuno Mendes in the 88th minute.
“Facing a world-class squad brimming with talent was tough,” admitted Zielinski.
“We afforded them too many liberties, notably in the opening half.”
Portugal is now set to lock horns with Scotland in Glasgow on Tuesday, aiming to extend their winning streak to four, while Poland preps to confront Croatia on home turf.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
