GERMANY: Portugal booked their place in the Euro 2024 competition in Germany with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Slovakia in the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifiers. The Selecao entered the match on an outstanding winning streak, having triumphed in their previous six games, scoring 24 goals and conceding none.
Cristiano Ronaldo had been suspended and missed their previous game, a resounding 9-0 win against Luxembourg.
Portugal dominated the match from the start, maintaining possession in Slovakia’s half and denying them opportunities. Goncalo Ramos opened the scoring with a powerful header, courtesy of a precise pass from Bruno Fernandes.
Moments later, Dennis Vavro handled the ball in the penalty area, awarding Portugal a penalty. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, extending Portugal’s lead to 2-0 before the half-hour mark.
Portugal held a 2-0 advantage at halftime. Slovakia made two substitutions at the break and returned for the second half determined to mount a comeback. Their efforts paid off when substitute Laszlo Benes set up David Hancko to score in the 69th minute, bringing the score to 2-1.
However, Portugal responded quickly as Bruno Fernandes recorded his second assist of the match, enabling Cristiano Ronaldo to restore their two-goal lead with a goal from close range, making it 3-1.
Slovakia didn’t back down and pulled one back in the 80th minute, with Stanislav Lobotka scoring, assisted by Ondrej Duda.
Despite a late push from the visitors, Portugal held on to secure a 3-2 victory, guaranteeing their qualification for Euro 2024. Cristiano Ronaldo’s double strike played a pivotal role in this significant win for the hosts.
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