Cristiano Ronaldo goes a different route world cup.
Portugal defeated Armenia 9-1 on Sunday, clinching a spot in next year’s tournament to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Ronaldo misses match in Porto for stopping — but Portugal certainly gave itself a chance to play in a record sixth World Cup during his absence.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will be 41 by the time the competition begins next June, and Ronaldo recently said that would be his age. last shot To win the one major title that had eluded him. Assuming he maintains his fitness, he is expected to be part of coach Roberto Martinez’s squad, which could still happen. Suspension for up to 2 games After being sent off in Portugal’s 2-0 loss to Ireland on Thursday.
This unexpected defeat meant Portugal had to beat Armenia to secure top spot in Group F, and hat-tricks from Bruno Fernandes and Joao Neves ensured there was no slip-up.
Hungary had a chance to overtake Portugal at the top of the group, but a stunning late comeback by Ireland in Budapest saw them lose 2-3.
Troy Parrott scored the equalizer in the 80th minute and the winning goal six minutes into added time to complete his hat trick. The victory gave Ireland second place and a place in the play-offs.
person who makes history
If Ronaldo and his great rival Lionel Messi take part in next year’s tournament, it will be their sixth World Cup appearance together.
They will surpass greats like Germany’s Lothar Matthäus, who played in five games.
Defending champion Argentina has already secured the place.
Messi fulfilled a lifelong ambition in his career by leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 Qatar tournament.
Ronaldo, who won the European Championship and two Nations League titles with Portugal, will add the World Cup to his trophy list, which includes five Champions League titles and league titles in England, Spain and Italy.
Although he is nearing the end of his career and has left top European football to play in Saudi Arabia, he continues to add to his impressive career.
He led Portugal to the Nations League earlier this year and was named to the Portugal squad last month. Top scorer in World Cup qualifying He scored 41 goals.
Although he didn’t get the chance to add to that tally due to his suspension, there was no shortage of goals for Portugal in his absence.
Fernandes’ hat trick included two penalties. Neves scored two goals in the first half and scored in the 81st minute to complete the treble.
Return to Ireland
An unforgettable week for Ireland ended with a dramatic comeback in Hungary and a place in the play-offs.
Parrott’s second-half winning goal was his fifth goal in two games and sealed second place for Ireland.
He scored both goals in a 2-0 win over Portugal at the Puskas Arena, proving once again a hero for his country as Ireland led 2-1 going into the 80th minute.
First, he leveled the game at 2-2 by lofting the ball over Hungarian goalkeeper Denes Dibus, and with time running low, he scored from close range deep in stoppage time to become the winner.
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James Robson is https://x.com/James Saran Robson
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
