Cristiano Ronaldo was suspended for Portugal’s final World Cup qualifier at home to Armenia, but other players, including Bruno Fernandes, stepped up during his absence
Portugal international and Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes proved that there are plenty of goals for the Selecao team even without Cristiano Ronaldo. Fernandes’ former United colleague Ronaldo was sent off against Ireland and suspended for Sunday’s game against Armenia, but Roberto Martinez’s side achieved their biggest win in more than two years.
Ronaldo risks being suspended for next year’s World Cup opener, but Portugal plan to appeal the length of the ban. But even if they miss out, the 9-1 victory over Armenia shows there is life after 40.
Fernandes was one of two Portuguese players to score a hat-trick for Porto, along with Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves. Renato Veiga, Gonzalo Ramos and Francisco Conceição also scored, and Eduardo Superstian briefly tied Armenia at 1-1, but the hosts then rioted.
With this victory, Portugal secured a place in the 2026 World Cup without a play-off. Ireland finished second in their group after a dramatic late win against Hungary, with Troy Parrott scoring a hat-trick, equaling the two he scored in the previous game against Portugal.
read more: Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Portugal camp immediately after red card nightmareread more: Piers Morgan weighs in on Cristiano Ronaldo red card controversy with ‘ridiculous’ comments
Before the game against Armenia, Portugal national team coach Martinez reflected on Ronaldo’s dismissal. “I think the action looks worse than it actually is. I don’t think it’s an elbow. I think it’s a full body, but from the camera position it looks like an elbow. But we’ll accept it,” he said.
“The only thing that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth is that in yesterday’s press conference, the coach was talking about the influence of the referee. Then the moment Cristiano turned his body, the big centre-half fell so dramatically to the floor.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel on Saturday warned his players not to risk emulating Ronaldo’s actions in their final qualifier against Albania. “It’s important. I’m aware of it and we’ll talk about it. I hope there’s no red card,” the German said.
“If there is any doubt, we are ahead and we are in the last man’s position, so if that player is wearing the shirt he will be given a red card. If there is any doubt, it would be wiser not to do it.”
“If he goes to the example of the last man, and we can avoid it, then of course there will be no red card, but I don’t want to make it too big of a story, because there are clouds gathering. But if you have a choice, it’s better not to do it.”
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