Cristiano Ronaldo’s brace propelled Portugal to a resounding 5-1 victory over Poland in the UEFA Nations League on Friday, securing their place in the quarter-finals.
Portugal dominated the second half, scoring four goals in the final 20 minutes. Rafael Leao opened the scoring with a powerful header, followed by a penalty from Ronaldo. Bruno Fernandes and Pedro Neto added to the tally, while Ronaldo completed his brace with an acrobatic volley.
Poland had the better chances in the first half but failed to capitalize. Dominik Marczuk’s brilliant save denied Ronaldo from close range, and the hosts made them pay dearly.
Roberto Martinez’s Portugal wrapped up the top spot in Group A1 with a game to spare, joining France, Germany, and Italy in the last eight. Poland, meanwhile, were relegated and will face a relegation playoff if they lose to Scotland next week.
In the other Group A1 match, Scotland boosted their hopes of avoiding relegation with a late winner from John McGinn. Croatia, who needed a point to qualify with Portugal, were left disappointed as McGinn struck in the 86th minute.
Meanwhile, European champions Spain remained unbeaten in Group A4 with a 2-1 win over Denmark in Copenhagen. Ayoze Perez and Mikel Oyarzabal scored for Spain, while Gustav Isaksen pulled one back for Denmark.
In Group C2, Romania’s match against Kosovo was abandoned in injury time due to chants of “Serbia” from the home fans. The game was goalless at the time of abandonment.
In League D, San Marino kept their hopes of promotion alive with a 1-1 draw against Gibraltar thanks to Nicola Nanni’s injury-time penalty.
