Portuguese Football in English
Roberto Martínez announced the Seleção squad for their final two Euro 2024 qualifiers today. The main news was a recall for Braga winger Bruma, four years after his last call-up to the Portugal squad.
Porto centre-back Pepe and Manchester City midfielder Matheus Nunes are also recalled in the 26-man group, with the injured Raphaël Guerreiro, Danilo and Pedro Neto dropping out.
Another game, another win. Roberto Martínez’s Portugal are positively purring. The 5-0 thrashing of Bosnia in Zenica last night made it eight successive victories for the Seleção since the Spanish coach took over, setting a new record in the 100-year history of the national team.
PortuGOAL rounds up the standout post-match quotes in reaction to another highly satisfactory night for Portugal.
A first half blitz in Zenica saw Portugal record a comfortable 5-0 victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina in the European Championship qualifiers.
The Seleção took an early lead at Stadion Bilino Polje, João Félix’s shot handled in the box which saw Cristiano Ronaldo step up and converted the resulting penalty.
Roberto Martínez’s side made it 2-0 in the 20th minute when Ronaldo ran onto a Félix through ball and beat Ibrahim Šehić.
Gonçalo Inácio assisted Bruno Fernandes who produced a classy finish five minutes later, João Cancelo getting in on the act in the 32nd minute when he found the top corner.
Portugal scored the fifth in the 41st minute, Otávio racing clear and putting the ball on a plate for Félix who made no mistake.
Savo Milošević switched it up at the break which saw the hosts become competitive in the second half, but it was too little too late with the Seleção making it eight straight wins to continue their charge towards Germany.
After a poor World Cup including a high-profile fall-out with former coach Fernando Santos, it seemed the remarkable international career of Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was finally drawing to a close, especially on the back of news that he was leaving European club football and heading to Saudi Arabia.
Less than a year later and Ronaldo has bounced back. Like so often in the past, he has made those claiming he was finished eat their words. Ronaldo’s performances for Portugal since Euro 2024 qualifying began have proved he still has a role to play for the Seleção.
Portugal 3-2 Slovakia match reaction
The Seleção made it seven wins from seven matches to qualify for Euro 2024 with three matches to spare in Porto yesterday.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez and his players were naturally delighted, while recognising that it was not a perfect performance and that there is room for improvement.
PortuGOAL rounds up the match reaction.
