LUXEMBOURG – Cristiano Ronaldo remains a “very important” player for Portugal, coach Roberto Martinez said after the veteran striker scored a second successive brace in their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
The 38-year-old opened the scoring for the Euro 2016 winners by turning in Nuno Mendes’ header and adding another in the 31st minute of the 6-0 win over Luxembourg on Sunday.
Ronaldo, who also netted twice against Liechtenstein on Thursday, increased his records for most men’s international appearances and goals to 198 and 122 respectively.
“Cristiano is a unique player in the world, with the highest number of international caps,” said Martinez, who has restored Ronaldo to the starting line-up after he was dropped during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“The experience he has for the dressing room is very important. All players have an important role.
“The younger ones due to their willingness to play and players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Rui Patricio and Bernardo Silva bring experience. It’s important to have a complete dressing room.”
Former Belgium coach Martinez, who joined Portugal after the World Cup, has enjoyed a fine start, with his team already two points clear of Slovakia at the top of Group J having scored 10 goals without reply.
Following Ronaldo’s ninth-minute opener, Joao Felix doubled the lead in the 15th minute, rising high to get onto the end of Silva’s cross.
Silva then himself headed home a powerful effort three minutes later after an assist from Joao Palhinha.
Bruno Fernandes set up Ronaldo for the fourth just past the half hour mark, with a ball over the defence that was finished with pinpoint accuracy.
Although Luxembourg offered more resistance after the break, Rafael Leao’s looping cross allowed fellow substitute Otavio to head home Portugal’s fifth.
Leao had a late penalty saved by Luxembourg goalkeeper Anthony Moris but made amends by running half the length of the field to latch onto Ruben Neves’ pass before squeezing the ball home for a 6-0 scoreline with two minutes remaining. AFP, REUTERS
