Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice as Roberto Martinez’s side beat Slovakia 3-2 to seal their place at UEFA Euro 2024.
The Selecao came into this match knowing that after winning all of their previous six Euro 2024 qualifying matches, a win would see them qualify for Euro 2024 with three games to spare.
Bruno Fernandes had the first big chance of the match after 13 minutes, curling a brilliant effort on target from distance but Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka pulled off a stunning diving save to keep the game level.
Slovakia came within inches of taking the lead after 16 minutes when a deflected cross struck the crossbar but Portugal survived.
Goncalo Ramos headed home Portugal’s first of the night after 18 minutes after some magnificent work from Fernandes to evade a challenge before delivering a perfect cross.
Ronaldo stepped up to make it 2-0 from the penalty spot in the 30th minute following a Slovakia handball.
Portugal missed a host of chances to further extend their lead in the first half, including Ramos rattling the post from close range and they had to make do with a 2-0 lead at the break.
Joao Cancelo missed a big chance for his side in the 69th minute and just seconds later Slovakia pulled one back.
David Hancko’s effort from distance deflected off Antonio Silva and into the bottom corner past Diogo Costa.
The Slovakia fightback didn’t last long though, with Portugal making it 3-1 just two minutes later thanks to a close-range finish from Ronaldo – his 125th goal for his country.
Slovakia weren’t done though and pulled another one back to make it 3-2 10 minutes from time thanks to a beautiful long-range effort from Stanislav Lobotka.
It made for a much nervier ending for Portugal than it ever should have been given their dominance throughout the match but Martinez’s side got the result over the line and booked their place at Euro 2024.
Seven matches, seven wins, 27 goals, two goals conceded and qualification for UEFA Euro 2024 guaranteed.
It’s easy to look at Portugal’s group and think that it’s one that they should coast but football simply does not work that way.
In the past Portugal have struggled to look convincing in qualifiers, both for the Euros and the World Cup but this time around they have been really efficient under Roberto Martinez.
In Euro 2008 qualifying, Portugal finished second in the group.
For Euro 2012, again they finished second in the group and in their most recent Euro qualifying campaign for Euro 2020, they again finished second – always doing enough to qualify as runners-up but not really making a statement.
This time around they have been brilliant and thoroughly professional.
Eurosport
