Bruno Fernandes secures Portugal’s last 16 spot

The Manchester United midfielder, Bruno dictated play throughout 90 minutes and first gave Portugal the lead in the 54th minute, with his cross for Cristiano Ronaldo going past the goalkeeper. Bruno crossed from the edge of the left-side of Uruguay’s box. Ronaldo leaped above the two defenders around him and they were left ball watching. Though he claimed the goal, it was Bruno, who was awarded the goal.

Bruno had also converted a penalty in added time to help Portugal qualify for the next round. Portugal got the penalty after the referee refered it to VAR, for handball on Gimenez. Bruno stuttered in front of the ball, does his trademark hop and shoot it down the left with ease to secure the second goal.

Final Score: Portugal 2 – 0 Uruguay

Goals:

POR – Bruno Fernandes – 54th minute

POR – Bruno Fernandes  – 90+3 minute

After a goalless first half, it was Cristiano Ronaldo himself who put his side in the lead. The Portuguese forward earned the spot after going down from Mohammed Salisu’s challenge, and put it past Lawrence Ati-Zigi, marking his 118th international goal, and also became the first player to score across five different World Cups.

Ghana were quick to equalise, as their skipper Andre Ayew slotted in a surgical cross from Mohammed Kudus, beating Diogo Costa into the Portuguese net in the 73rd minute.

However, the level score was only temporary as within five minutes, as ‘Os Navegadores’ found themselves in the lead again with Bruno Fernandes finding Joao Felix through the Ghana defense, and the Atletico Madrid forward slipped it past Ati-Zigi to make it 2-1.

Just two minutes later, Fernando Santos’ side fired their third of the night, as Fernandes forwarded another piercing through to Rafael Leao, and the AC Milan star marked his first international goal.

Ghana made their second comeback attempt in the 89th minute, as a beautiful cross from Baba Rahman on the left wing found Osman Bukari, who headed it past Costa to mark their second strike of the night.

The injury time saw efforts from the ‘Black stars’ in getting the equalizer, but the 9-minute added time went goalless, with Portugal taking home three points.

Final Score: Portugal 3 – 2 Ghana

Goals:

POR – Cristiano Ronaldo – 65th minute (P)

GHA – Andre Ayew – 73rd minute

POR – Joao Felix – 78th minute

POR – Rafael Leao – 80th minute

GHA – Osman Bukari – 89th minute

Rafa Silva issues a statement

“Today I informed the Seleção coach Fernando Santos and the Portuguese Football Federation that I would no longer be available to represent the national team,” began Rafa’s brief message that he sent to the Portuguese news agency Lusa.

“I believe it is an honest and correct decision at this point in my career. I ask that the reasons I have made this decision, which are personal, be respected by everyone.”

“I represented the national teams 40 times, helped conquer Euro 2016 and the Nations League and I will always be in the front row supporting the team. I’m certain the Seleção will continue to bring joy to the Portuguese people, starting with the Nations League and World Cup 2022.”

At 29 years of age, Rafa Silva had racked up 25 caps for the senior team after making his debut in 2014 in a friendly against Cameroon under previous Portugal coach Paulo Bento. Rafa was in Portugal’s World Cup 2014, Euro 2016 and Euro 2020 squads, but he only spent 52 minutes on the pitch across the three tournaments.

The speedy front man has been in fantastic form this season and has netted 6 goals and provided 4 assists in 13 matches. He made a huge contribution to Benfica’s sensational flawless winning start to the new campaign.

Cristiano Ronaldo tallies 111 goals in International Football

His 110th goal came against Ireland and was crucial for his career and the match itself. His side, Portugal were trailing against the Irishmen at the break but CR7 made the turnaround in the second half. Cristiano Ronaldo missed out on an opportunity as he could not convert from the spot-kick,

But, he went on to score the first goal for Portugal which marked his 110th goal. This goal finally took him past iconic Iranian striker Ali Daei, takes him to a height that may not ever be equaled or surpassed in football. CR7 is 34-goals ahead of active duo Lionel Messi and Ali Mabkhout (both on 76), the only other two players in the top-ten currently playing.

The record goal came after a typically headed effort by Ronaldo who rose highest in the center of the penalty area before heading in the equalizer to draw Portugal level at 1-1 with the Republic of Ireland in their World Cup qualifier and delivering in yet another crucial moment, one of many in his illustrious career.

Cristiano Ronaldo is now the all-time leading goalscorer in men's international football with 110 goals 👑🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/GjRvDmvWsC

— utdreport (@utdreport) September 1, 2021

And he was not done just there as he made the comeback complete for Portuguese side as just minutes later, he headed in another in the dying seconds of stoppage time to complete his brace, netting his 111th goal for his country and bagging all three points on a night where Portugal looked relinquishing the match to the Irishmen.

ALSO READ: HOMECOMING: Cristiano Ronaldo’s dream return to Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo recently made his epic return to Premier League giants, Manchester United on a two-year deal. Before making his return to Old Trafford, he is making a huge impact at the International duty. He is cementing his legacy in both his International and club career and he is apparently far from hanging up his boots.

Belgium:

Belgium finished the group stage unblemished and that will keep them on a high note. Going into the match against Portugal, The Belgian side will be brimming with confidence. They saw themselves on the top of the table after securing three victories in Group B.

The Red Devils had kickstarted their campaign and picked up comfortable victories with 3-0 against Russia and 2-0 against Finland. In their third clash in the group stage, Denmark gave some trouble but the Belgians managed to clinch the victory with a 2-1 score.

The Belgian talisman Kevin De Bruyne is the man to keep an eye on during the mouthwatering fixture. The Manchester City midfield maestro is the complete game changer and it is evident from his outstanding performance against the Danish side. Coming off the bench he had pulled off a stunning assist and equally astounding goal to help his side get the comeback victory against Denmark.

The ace striker Romelu Lukaku is also having a great campaign who has already bagged three goals in the ongoing EURO 2020. He will also try to maintain his momentum and provide the best for his National side.

Portugal:

On the other hand, Portugal, who finished in the third place of the Group F will be trying to get the better of high on confidence Belgium side. The Navigators secured the spot in the last 16 being the best third placed team.

The defending champions had started the EURO 2020 with a thrashing 3-0 victory against Hungary in the opening clash. However, their momentum was soon cut down when they tasted a disappointing 4-2 defeat at the hands of the mighty Germans.

In their final clash of the Group of Death, Portugal managed to finish the game against France with two goals apiece after the Portugal superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo pulled off an amazing brace with a couple of penalty kicks. The 36-year-old goal machine has five goals to his name and will certainly aim to shine in the high stakes clash.

Waging Odds: Belgium (2.40) vs Portugal (3.10) (Draw 4.00)

Belgium are favourites and are priced at 1.50, meaning if you bet ₹100 on them and if they win the match, you’ll be making ₹240.

Portugal are priced at 3.10 and are the underdogs. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹310 if they come out as winners.

Prediction:

The winner of the outing will book a place in the quarterfinals, against either Italy or Austria. Belgium are the favourites to win this game but Portugal cannot be ruled out of the affair. A thrilling contest is expected with Belgians to pick a victory with 2-1 result.

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Portugal:

The defending champions Portugal started their opening clash of the EURO 2020 campaign with a banger as they thrashed Hungary 3-0 and emerged victorious in their first outing. But, the momentum was struck down by the mighty Germans as they were defeated 4-2 defeat in their second clash of the group stage.

It was the side’s talisman Cristiano Ronaldo, who opened the account against Joachim Löw’s men, but the lead did not last long as Germany fired back with four goals. The Liverpool man Diogo Jota gave a ray of hope for the Portuguese when he scored the final goal of the match in the 67th minute but that was not enough to recover the deficit.

Thus, Germany picked up their first win of the tournament and went into second place which is one point behind group leaders France. While, Portugal are down in the third place.

France:

France, on the other hand, had the chance to secure a spot in the knockout stages of EURO 2020 but they could not capitalize on the chance. The Frenchmen had clinched a victory in their opening clash against Germany after veteran defender Mats Hummels’ own goal made the difference.

Their recent game saw a 1-1 draw as Hungary salvaged a point. Hungary had taken the fans by a surprise when they took the lead late in the first half.

Attila Fiola had scored the opening goal but it was Barcelona star Antoine Griezmann who equalized the score in the 66th minute. The draw marked the end of France’s five-game winning streak, however, they remain unbeaten in their last nine outings across all competitions.

Waging Odds: France (2.15) vs Portugal (3.60) (Draw 3.20)

Portugal are underdogs and are priced at 3.60, meaning if you bet ₹100 on them and if they win the match, you’ll be making ₹360.

France are priced at 2.15 and are the favourites. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹215 if they come out as winners.

The odds for a draw are placed at 3.20. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹320 if the fixture ends all level.

Prediction:

The ‘Group of Death’ often offers exciting fixtures and it is one of them which we have on our hands. The clash between the gigantic sides turns out to be entertaining and it is expected that both the sides will give their all to secure the three points to book a place in the knockout stages of EURO 2020.

The outcomes of EURO 2020 have come upon as surprises and from this clash a 3-1 affair in favour of France is expected.

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Portugal:

The visitors, Portugal will be eyeing to register a win in the clash against the mighty Germans. In their opening outing they picked up a comfortable victory against Hungary. The defending champions had tallied a thrashing 3-0 win in their opening group fixture in EURO 2020.

Under the guidance of manager, Fernando Santos the Portuguese were able to break the rock-solid defense of Hungary, who had conceded just once in their previous four matches.

The Euro 2016 Champions were able to bag the goals in the final six minutes of the game against Hungary. It was Raphael Guerreiro who broke the deadlock in 84th minutes and the other couple of goals came in quick succession. The side’s talisman Cristiano Ronaldo scored a brace to seal the game.

Portugal are now unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions. They have picking up five wins and two draws. The Navigators would certainly aim to carry on with the momentum picking up the victory in their second match of EURO 2020.

Germany:

Germany, who failed to start their campaign with a narrow defeat against the rivals France on Tuesday. The Frenchmen prevailed with an own goal in the 20th minute, scored by the veteran Mats Hummels.

Though France created many threats for the German defense, but they were unable to find the back of the net and the own goal made the difference between the two sides.

Die Mannschaft are currently in the third place in Group F and they will be desperate for a win to get back on the track.

Waging Odds: Portugal (3.20) vs Germany (2.31) (Draw 3.40)

Portugal are the underdogs and are priced at 3.20, meaning if you bet $100 on them and if they win the match, you’ll be making $320.

Germany are priced at 2.31 and are the favourites. Betting $100 on them will earn you $231 if they come out as winners.

The odds for a draw are placed at 3.40. Betting $100 on them will earn you $340 if the fixture ends all level.

Our Prediction:

The Portugal side is high on confidence starting their EURO 2020 campaign with a victory, while Germany will be trying to avoid a loss. The defending champions had scored the goals in the final minutes of their previous clash which could prove to be significant in this outing.

On the other hand, Germany have been constant with their attacks in the second half but could not salvage a goal. It is likely to be a cagey affair between the two and expected to wind up with a goal apiece.

Place your bets for the match here.

Portugal

Winners of the 2016 edition, Portugal head into this edition with an even more threatening side. The ever present Cristiano Ronaldo’s drive to add silverware will fuel the rest of the side as well who welcome a plethora of new talent.

Despite a weak 2018 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the first knockout round itself, Portugal’s prowess was evident after they managed to lift the first ever Nations League.

With the likes of Ruben Dias, Joao Cancelo, Bruno Fernandes, Joao Felix, and many more being fully integrated within the team, Ronaldo has a much more support system to rely on as they attempt to escape the group of death with certainty. The latest batch of players replaces the likes of Nani, Quaresma, and others.

While being the underdogs in the previous edition, Ronaldo and co. will attempt to repeat their feat with the tag of favourites lodged on them.

Portugal surprisingly finished second in their qualification table as Ukraine toppled them to claim first place.

A goalless draw against Spain and a thrashing of Israel sums up Portugal’s form ahead of their opener.

These two sides had faced in the previous edition of the tournament as well. That fixture ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw which sealed Portugal’s third spot in the group, a spot from which they eventually went on to win the competition.

The experienced Rui Patricio is expected to start at goal. The tantalizing blend of youth and experience, Pepe and Ruben Dias will take up the heart of the defence. Joao Cancelo’s absnece due to coronavirus leaves two young options in Nelson Semedo and Diogo Dalot at right back. Raphael Guerreiro’s expertise makes him the automatic first choice at the other flank.

Danilo and William Carvalho will be entrusted to the rough work in the midfield, giving the quartet of Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Jota, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bernardo Silva to weave their magic with Joao Felix also a potential option.

Hungary

Hungary made their way to the competition through the play-off round by defeating Bulgaria and Iceland. They had finished fourth in their qualification group behind Croatia, Wales and Slovakia.

Seasoned goalkeeper and RB Leipzig’s gloves man Peter Gulacsi will protect the net and will be without his club teammate Dominik Szoboszlai. the youngster had scored a last-minute winner against Iceland, which sealed their spot in this competition.

The Hungarians are on a neat run themselves as they head into this fixture on the bank of a 11-match unbeaten run. However, facing Ronaldo and co. on this stage would be a whole other proposition.

Waging Odds: Hungary (8.00) vs Portugal (1.47) (Draw 4.33)

Hungary are the underdogs and are priced at 8.00, meaning if you bet ₹100 on them and if they win the match, you’ll be making ₹800.

Portugal are priced at 1.47 and are the favourites. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹147 if they come out as winners.

The odds for a draw are placed at 4.33. Betting ₹100 on them will earn you ₹433 if the fixture ends all level.

Our Prediction:

As the odds indicate, Portugal are massive favourites to seal this encounter. The prospect of facing Germany and France late on will drive the defending champions to get the maximum out of this game.

Expect the belligerent Portugal attack to go ballistic while their solid backline keeps them safe from any possession loss to go awry.

While Hungary will look to spoil the party of their other group members, this Portugal side filled with promise, won’t leave any cracks to exploit, so expect a comfortable 3-0 win for the visitors.

Place your bets for the match here.

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COVID-19 cause worries for the National teams

France National team has been hit with the virus as a player has tested positive for the coronavirus. Leo Dubois, the Lyon right-back has been confirmed to have COVID-19.

As reported by, French Football Federation (FFF), the player was tested after the training session on Tuesday evening and has come in contact with the virus.

The defender is currently in home quarantine and Ferland Mendy would be replacing him for the International fixtures.

Didier Deschamps’ men are set to face Ukraine on Wednesday. But the opponent squad members have also reported multiple cases of the virus as it causes problems for the warm-up match. Three of the goalkeepers in the Ukraine squad have tested positive.

Andriy Pyatov, the Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper was reported positive earlier. Real Madrid’s, Andriy Lunin and Oleksandriya’s Yuriy Pankiv also came in contact with the coronavirus, as announced by Ukrainian Association of Football (FFU) on Tuesday.

Georguiy Buschan, the 26-year-old Dynamo Kiev goalkeeper would be filling in the gap. Andriy Shevchenko has suffered major blows ahead of the UEFA Nations League fixtures. Moreover, five players of Shakhtar Donetsk have also been ruled out due to COVID-19.

ALSO READ: Evading Extinction: Mesut Ozil steps in with a noble gesture to save Gunnersaurus

Oleksandr Glyvynsky, the spokesperson for FFU talked about the uncertainty of the match against France amid COVID-19 woes. He was asked about the cancellation of the match he said, “The situation is difficult. Let’s see what the organizers say.”

Portugal National team are no exception as Jose Fonte, the Lille OSC defender will be missing the International friendly against Spain on Wednesday, confirmed by Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).

Spain gaffer, Fernando Santos confirmed that Domingos Duarte, the 25-year-old Granada defender would be handed a spot in the squad after the veteran Lille defender was withdrawn.

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Ex-Madridista Fábio Coentrão resumes football after 1 year, joins boyhood club in Portugal

Deadline Day 2020: The race against time unfurls itself

The year was 2003. A pre-season friendly between Manchester United and Sporting CP which was supposed to be a routine rollover for Manchester biggies saw the emergence of a lanky kid who tormented the best defenders at the tender age of 18. At the beginning of that encounter, no one had heard of Cristiano Ronaldo but by the end, everyone knew about him.

And now that lanky kid has transformed into a legend, a legend which even at 35 continues to amaze, enthrall and most importantly make us believe that irrespective of where or in what circumstances you are born, you can be the best.

Choosing the best moments of a career that is adorned with stunning freeKicks, tremendous backheels, tormenting step overs and the towering headers is surely a herculean task. But still, there are times when all seems lost and the opposition is at the top. And then the magic of Cristiano Ronaldo happens. Here’s a look at some such moments and goals by CR7 for his country.

• Backheel magic-

The year was 2016. The year when Portugal broke an eternal deadlock to get their first international trophy. But, not many remember that it started as a pretty dab tournament for CR7 and company and they were on the verge of going home with 2 draws and trailing by 1-2 in their third encounter against Hungary.

But then CR7 happened.

A Joao Mario cross in the box saw a tremendous backheel flick from CR7 to start the Portuguese resurgence. The goal had everything that Ronaldo is known for. Tremendous awareness, a magical off the ball movement, and the trademark dab of magic that we have come to enjoy over the years.

• A century in style-

Not necessarily his best effort when it comes to aesthetics, his strike to bring up 100 goals for Portugal is right at the top when it comes to showing what Cristiano Ronaldo stands for. His eye for excellence, his constant will to improve even at 35, and most importantly his ability to bounce back in style.

Also Read: https://www.thesportsroom.org/cristiano-ronaldo-playing-crowdless-stadiums/

Up against Sweden in UEFA Nations League, Portugal was left frustrated after 44 drab minutes. Before a CR7 panaeka, free Kick in the top right corner left not just the Swedish goalkeeper but the whole world mesmerized. It was a  particularly fitting way to bring up an iconic landmark given that he has been widely criticized for his free-kick abilities lately.

• A bicycle kick for ages-

His bicycle kick against Juventus surely has become stuff for legends but not long before that Ronaldo executed a similar effort against Faroe Island in 2017. And while it may lack the dazzling height of his latter effort, this goal made for it in being much more aesthetically pleasing, coming in at a much tighter angle.

• Calm that kills-

A truly remarkable and memorable goal against Ecuador: a run off the back of the defender, latching on to a back-heeled pass, lifting the ball back over the same defender in sombrero fashion before unleashing an unstoppable half-volley across the face of goal and into the far corner of the net.

Once again it showed that why Ronaldo is one of the finest talents of our times. The control, the calm, the poise, the volley.A masterpiece.

• De Gea’s Achilles heals-

It was the inaugural day of the 2018 World Cup and Spain was up against Portugal in what was supposed to be a battle of giants. And Portuguese did start at the top and were leading for large parts of the match before a Spanish comeback saw Ronaldo and company a goal behind with just 4 minutes on the clock.

However, a Spanish foul in the 87th minute gave Portugal a chance, an outside chance. It was a freekick at 30 m.Against Spain.In the 87th minute of a Fifa World Cup.Up against the world’s best goalkeeper. And Ronaldo hadn’t scored a free kick in a long long time.

And, once again the Portuguese talisman stood up. Rolling up his shorts, taking a few calming breaths as the entire world watched in anticipation, Ronaldo placed an epic kick on the ball. The ball swerved, just cleared the wall, looked to be missing the net altogether before going into the top left corner with a final flourish. De Gea was never the same after that epic night.

Oh, the goal.

Oh, the GOAT.

The legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo-

FERNANDO SANTOS on CRISTIANO:

“A team that has the best in the world cannot be better without the best in the world. Ronaldo goes on breaking records and records and then, when everyone thinks he is going to finish, there are even more records to beat. He feeds on it." pic.twitter.com/xTm1KI6eJQ

— The CR7 Timeline. (@TimelineCR7) September 9, 2020

It is not about the goals. Not about the epic stepovers.Or the stunning freekicks.Or the trophy-laden cabinets.

It is about the legacy a champion leaves. Not often does a player come who makes us marvel and dream and believe every day. The Ronaldos and the Messis  and the Federers bring out that side of we mortals, the one which we ourselves don’t know. They are modern superheroes.

Everybody loves a hero. People line up for them…cheer them…scream their names. And years later, they’ll tell how they stood in the rain for hours just to get a glimpse of the one who taught them to hold on a second longer.

If you like reading about MMA, make sure you check out MMAIndia.com

Also, follow India’s biggest arm wrestling tournament at ProPanja.com

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Cristiano Ronaldo nets record-breaking 100th International goal with a vintage free-kick