Ronaldo was knocked down. But Cristiano should be happy
Nikita Paglazov September 9, 2023, 00:25 Moscow time Audio version: Your browser does not support the audio element.
The Portuguese won again and got as close as possible to Euro 2024.
Portugal and Slovakia are the leaders of Group J. This is quite expected, given that they are joined by Luxembourg, Iceland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Liechtenstein, which are in decline. And it was in the direct confrontation that the Portuguese and Slovaks determined the following scenario: either Portugal separates from everyone or Slovakia creates a real competition in the fight for first place.
Both teams came out with maximum combat strength. Cristiano Ronaldo and Milan Skriniar took the captain’s armbands for Portugal and Slovakia. It was interesting to watch midfielder João Pagliño, whose move to Bayern fell through at the end of the transfer market. In general, there were enough interesting stories.
But the first part was closed, all that was left was to fantasize. The teams showed pragmatic football: despite a tough attack, Portugal occasionally created at least some danger. During the first half, the guests were right only three times, Slovakia only once. The Portuguese had more possession of the ball, but could not convert their statistical advantage into anything more.
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However, Bruno Fernandes helped. The Portuguese national team midfielder, who turned 29 on September 8, gave himself a birthday gift. In the 43rd minute, he made an unexpected solo pass, scaring the opponent. The defense of the Slovakian team diplomatically allowed Fernandes to reach the goal, but he did not object. As a result, Bruno entered the box and shot from an acute angle into the far corner of Martin Dubravka’s goal. A goal that just did not follow the logic of the game. Even so, the first part suggested that the teams would go to rest with the score 0-0. Although before Fernandes’ goal, Slovakia had a good chance: Lukas Garaslin shot from the penalty line to the post.
Bruno Fernandes’ celebrations during the Slovakia-Portugal match
Photo: Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
The second half did not change the panorama of the game. Again, boring football with minimal chances. Neither Ronaldo, nor Leau, nor the magic of Fernandes helped. Yes, chances appeared from time to time, but greater impressions are expected from a meeting with Portugal. It was as if the guests had activated economy mode. Once again, the Portuguese had more possession of the ball, but did it help? Not good.
And in the second half the advantage gradually passed to Slovakia. Skriniar headed a dangerous header after a free kick and the Slovak attackers were looking for areas close to the opponent’s goal. In the end, Portugal acted too relaxed. And Slovakia turned out to have a number of good approaches. But it was not possible to equalize the score. Ronaldo also selflessly brought victory to Portugal. In the end, when the Slovaks took a free kick, the ball hit Cristiano in the face, after which he was knocked down. Ronaldo lay down on the grass and was taken off the field. But then he came to his senses and continued the game.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Photo: Radovan Stoklasa/AP Photo/TASS
Taking into account their group rivals, Slovakia is capable of qualifying for Euro 2024, even despite the defeat. The team has improved compared to the qualifying phase for the 2022 World Cup and the UEFA Nations League. The Slovaks showed that they are capable of competing with teams of the level of Portugal. And after five rounds, Roberto Martínez’s team is almost guaranteed a place in the Euro Cup.
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