Portugal player ratings vs Luxembourg: Goncalo Ramos runs the show in 9-0 pummeling, while suspended Cristiano Ronaldo watched from the bench
Goncalo Ramos staked his claim to be Portugal's permanent No.9 with a starring role in a dominant Euro 2024 qualifying win.
As Cristiano Ronaldo watched on, his potential replacement ran rampant. Goncalo Ramos, favoured over the Selecao captain, scored twice and set the tone for a 8-0 thrashing over a Luxembourg side that offered very little resistance.
Portugal were on top from the first whistle, and didn't need long to turn their dominance into something more quantifiable. Bruno Fernandes — fresh off a star performance against Slovakia — provided the spark, sending a teasing ball into the box, perfectly placed for a Goncalo Inacio header.
The second came five minutes later, with Ramos strolling through the Luxembourg defence and firing a shot into the bottom corner. Ramos got his second after 30 minutes, rippling the back of the net from close range after a scamper and cut-back from Rafael Leao. Inacio put things beyond doubt on the stroke of half time, scoring his second of the night with a well-taken header.
A beating turned into a rout after the half. Diogo Jota grabbed himself a goal while ubstitute Ricardo Horta rifled one into the roof of the net. Jota, Fernandes, and, finally, Joao Felix rounded out a swaggering win for a side that might just be better without their brightest star.
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