The Manchester United duo of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes were on target as Portugal hit lowly Luxembourg for five at home in their World Cup 2022 qualifier in Group A as far as the UEFA section is concerned. The two Manchester United players were responsible for four of the five goals during the game which ended in a 5-0 win for Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo began the scoring for Portugal on eight minutes from the spot before he made it two goals from two penalty kicks in the space of five minutes. Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes added a third goal for Portugal on 18 minutes to make it six international goals for him. The three goals from the Manchester United duo were scored within ten minutes. The goals ensured that immediate past European champions Portugal went into the half-time break with a 3-0 lead.
Sporting Lisbon star Joao Palhinhaadded a fourth goal for Portugal on 69 minutes before Ronaldo wrapped up the big victory via a header three minutes from time for his treble. Ronaldo has now scored ten hattricks on the international football scene to take his tally to 115 goals. No other player has more goals on the international football scene.
The big win over Luxembourg was able to give Portugal a playoff spot at least in their group alongside Serbia though they are still the favourites to pick up the automatic slot from Group A ahead of the Serbians. Serbia sealed a playoff spot in the group thanks to the 3-1 home win over Azerbaijan. Fiorentina striker DusanVlahovic scored twice either side of the halftime break, while Ajax Amsterdam star DusanTadic was responsible for the third Serbian goal. On their part, Azerbaijan got the lone goal through EminMahmadov.
Portugal need to beat the Republic of Ireland away from home and secure at least a draw at home to Serbia to qualify for the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament automatically.