Bosnia And Herzegovina Vs. Portugal: Ronaldo Scores Brace To Maintain Perfect Record

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice before half-time as Portugal put Bosnia and Herzegovina to the sword in UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier.

Portugal scored all five of their goals in the first half to continue their perfect record of eight qualifying wins in eight games, inflicting the joint-heaviest ever defeat on the hosts in the process.

Roberto Martinez named a strong starting line-up for this Group J encounter and was rewarded with five first-half goals.

It took Portugal just five minutes to open their account as Ronaldo converted from the spot after Adrian Leon Barisic was adjudged to have handled Felix’s shot.

Felix and Ronaldo combined again when the former set up the latter for his second, with the goal given following a lengthy VAR check for offside, before his former Manchester United team-mate Fernandes got in on the act with a smart finish.

Cancelo curled a beautiful shot into the top corner from the edge of the penalty but worse was to come for the bewildered hosts as Felix made it five before half-time.

It was a damage limitation exercise for the hosts after the break and despite being jeered by their home supporters as they returned to the pitch, the second half was a much improved and disciplined display.

While Portugal have top place sealed, Bosnia and Herzegovina are second from bottom, seven points adrift of second-placed Slovakia with just two games remaining.

Savo Milosevic’s side are, however, guaranteed a play-off place after winning their UEFA Nations League group.

Portugal boss Martinez could have been forgiven for selecting a weakened team and allowing some of his fringe players an opportunity to impress, but he resisted that temptation and was greatly rewarded.

Bosnia and Herzegovina were supposed to be a team improved under Milosevic but all confidence that may have been built in the 2-0 win over Liechtenstein in his first game in charge had evaporated inside the opening 20 minutes by a clinical and rampant Portugal.

It was another statement of intent from a Portugal team brimming with quality as they look ahead to doing some damage in Germany next summer.