0-1: Cristiano doesn’t score, but Portugal take the lead against Germany

Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t score this time but Portugal by Roberto Martínez defeated Slovakia in Bratislava (0-1) and consolidated its lead in group J of qualifying for Euro 2024. A single goal from Bruno Fernandes It was enough for him to maintain his total number of wins, his unbeaten goal and, with 15 points, he can see the final stage in Germany on the horizon.

Roberto Martínez aligned his stars, with a Joao Cancelo he placed on the left wing, as he left Joao Félix on the bench. Portugal had problems in the first half to create an attacking threat against the push of a brave Slovakia and only had two shots on target through Bruno Fernandes and scored on one of them.

Slovakia came out ready to surprise Portugal by springing up at right back Peter Pekarik, which put Joao Cancelo in trouble. In the 10th minute found his cross Robert Polievka in the area but a centered shot came out that he blocked Diogo Costa.

After a few moments Ivan Schranz Couldn’t control a length ball well enough to take his match alone Diogo Costa and saw how an unparalleled opportunity was lost.

Pekarik aggravates Cancelo and ‘eats’ Leao

Only a loss in defense allowed Portugal to thoroughly their first arrival with danger, but Martin Dubravka safely saved a stern shot from Bruno Fernandes which smells like a goal (16′).

Rafael Leao tried down the left to give depth to the Portuguese game but collided with a Pekarik who was also solid in defense and continued his attack. In one of them, already in the 41st minute, he was controlled by his center Lukas Haraslin in the area and his shot hit the outside of the post.

From a possible 1-0 to 0-1

This was Slovakia’s best chance but they conceded and in the next play Portugal advanced to a great individual play by Bruno Fernandes, He came inside as a right inside player and took a strong cross shot that hit the post (43′).

In the second half, Portugal found more space. Joao Cancelo has finally made himself available in attack and a drive was recorded in the center which ended with a shot saved by Dubravka (50′).

Slovakia continued to push at all times in search of goal with the tireless Pekarik though it was Schranz had the clearest chance of his team in the second half when he reached the ball before Diogo Costa but crossed too far (55′).

Cristiano resisted the goal

Cristiano Ronaldo, who until then had only one poor shot, obviously started playing as 9 and tried to score his goal. He got it in the 60th minute but failed miserably when he hit the ball in front of the goal and ended up with the overwhelming Dubravka.

A low shot near the post and a shot against Dubravka saved by the Newcastle goalkeeper were the final options of a CR7 who this time left Bratislava empty-handed although Portugal has taken a big step towards Euro 2024. The first two in the group have qualified and Slovakia and Luxembourg, who beat Iceland (3-1), are five points away.

SLOVAKIA

01

PORTUGAL

Slovakia: Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka (Benes, 75′), Lobotka (Hrosovsky 83′), Duda; Schranz (Suslov, 63′), Polievka (Bozenik, 63′), Haraslin (Duris, 83′)

Portugal: Diogo Costa; Dalot, Rúben Dias, Antonio Silva, Cancelo (Nelson Semedo, 62′); Bernardo Silva, Palhinha, Bruno Fernandes; Vitinha (Otávio, 62′), Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Leao (Pedro Neto, 62′)
The
Goal: 0-1, Bruno Fernandes (43′)

Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden). Yellow for Schranz (35′), Duda (53′),
Cristiano Ronaldo (62′)
The
Stadium: Národný Stadion in Bratislava

see the match sheet