Ronaldo doubles in new rout

Mission more than accomplished in Roberto Martinez’s second game against Portugal. Another defeat without conceded goals and an isolated leadership in the group. There was also quality, good goals and a new double by captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

If a more difficult opponent was expected against Liechtenstein, then the first minutes of the match turned out to be in conflict with all this, as well as with the breeder’s fears. Portugal started well with three substitutions compared to the last game.

He did not touch the front figures, and it was they who ran into the opponent in the first half. First it was Ronaldo, the matador who gave Portugal the lead. Then Felix with a winning header. The third was repeated as a result of an air strike by Bernardo Silva after a pass from Joao Paligny. All this in less than 20 minutes. Facing an opponent who didn’t park the bus, Portugal extended Ronaldo’s tally with another good collective move that made Roberto Martínez smile on the bench.

There was nothing to lose, Luxemburgo took apart the line of five defenders and after the break became bolder than he scared Rui Patricio. The slowness got the best of the Portuguese team, who started to hold the ball without creating big moments of danger.

Roberto Martinez felt this slowness and poured new blood into the team. Rafael Leao entered at full speed, and Otavio was the maximum efficiency indicator: almost from the first touch of the ball with his head (another) head 5:0. Rafael Leao also wanted to leave a mark. First, he won a penalty, which he would not have managed. But before the 90th he really scored, in a good individual move.

After the first tests, the choice looks fresh. Picking finger? It seems to be yes, but in June doubts will be dispelled with more qualified opponents.

DETAILS
Marcelo and Antonio Costa
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Republic, and António Costa, Prime Minister, were in the stands at the Luxembourg Stadium.

Bruno refuses “a breath of fresh air”
“There is no breath of fresh air at all. This is just a transitional period. The atmosphere has always been good,” said Bruno Fernandes, dismissing CR7’s claim that we are breathing better now.

“It was important to have intensity from the start”
“I am very glad. It is important to remember that the mood of the players is the most important part. It was also important from the very beginning to have intensity, to play as a team. We did it by scoring six goals and conceding one.” Penalty. Our goal is zero. But we need to work hard to get better,” said Roberto Martinez. The coach also spoke about Cristiano Ronaldo: “It’s very important, he has a unique experience at the international level.”

Positive
efficiency and intensity
Another defeat and no goals conceded. The Martinez era is marked by efficiency and intensity. Liechtenstein and Luxembourg are available, but Portugal never took their foot off the gas pedal.

Negative
sleep after rest
Some overconfidence, but also a great cunning of Luxembourg, left the Portuguese in a daze after the break. More work than originally expected.

Arbitration
Good at difficult decisions
Right at the disciplinary level, when the Luxembourgers began to scold the Portuguese with hard fouls. As well as not counted Danilo’s goal due to offside. And on penalties for Portugal.