Porto, Portugal – Portugal secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a resounding 9-1 victory over Armenia on Sunday, despite the absence of suspended talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes and Paris Saint-Germain’s Joao Neves both scored hat-tricks as Roberto Martinez’s side dominated the Group F decider in Porto. Renato Veiga, Goncalo Ramos, and Francisco Conceicao also found the back of the net.
After a draw in Hungary in October and a surprise defeat to Ireland on Thursday, which saw Ronaldo sent off, Portugal clinched qualification at the third attempt in their final group match. The Euro 2016 champions will now compete in their seventh consecutive World Cup, aiming for their first-ever tournament win.
Match Highlights
Portugal started strongly, with Fernandes delivering a curling free-kick that hit the post. Veiga was on hand to head home the rebound in the 7th minute. Armenia equalised on their first attack, with Eduard Spertsyan finishing a cross from Grant-Leon Ranos.
Portugal quickly regained control: Ramos intercepted a back pass and rounded the goalkeeper to score Portugal’s second, followed by Neves blasting home from the edge of the box for the third. Neves then scored a stunning free-kick into the top right corner for goal number four.
Fernandes converted a low penalty in first-half stoppage time to make it 5-1. After the break, Fernandes scored twice more, including a penalty, completing his hat-trick. Neves and Conceicao added the eighth and ninth goals, respectively, sealing one of Portugal’s biggest-ever victories.
Elsewhere in Group F, Ireland stunned Hungary with a 3-2 win, with Troy Parrott scoring a hat-trick to secure a playoff spot after his midweek brace against Portugal.
Portugal’s emphatic win demonstrates their attacking prowess and sends a clear message ahead of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
By AFP
???? Follow Ghanaian Times WhatsApp Channel today. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
???? Trusted News. Real Stories. Anytime, Anywhere.
? Join our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
The post Portugal Qualify for 2026 World Cup After Thrashing Armenia appeared first on Ghanaian Times.
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS