Portugal vs Slovakia score, result, analysis as Cristiano Ronaldo double helps Selecao reach Euro 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice to take his tally to 125 international goals as Portugal held off a late comeback from Slovakia to continue their perfect Euro 2024 qualifying campaign and reach the finals with three games to spare in Porto.
Selecao captain Ronaldo placed his spot kick past Martin Dubravka after Denis Vavro had handled inside the visitors' penalty area in the 28th minute, then slotted in from former Manchester United teammate Bruno Fernandes' cross to help his side secure their place in Germany next summer.
Goncalo Ramos headed in Fernandes' 18th-minute delivery for the opener as Portugal dominated the first half, but David Hancko's opportunistic effort from outside the box was deflected past Diogo Costa via Antonio Silva's heel as Slovakia became the first team to score against Portugal during the campaign.
In torrential conditions, Stanislav Lobotka's exquisite long-range strike again reduced the deficit to a goal on a night when Portugal required a win to qualify because third-placed Luxembourg earned a point in Iceland.
Dubravka kept out Rafael Leao's early header and two late attempts by substitute Diogo Jota among the succession of stops, and Portugal needed Fernandes' ingenuity – he has now contributed five assists and two goals in his last three qualifers.
Slovakia did not trouble Diogo Costa until the second half, although they will take encouragement from their achievement of becoming the first team of the last nine Portugal have faced to score against them.
Portugal are next in action when they visit Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday before travelling to Liechtenstein on November 16 and hosting Iceland in their final qualifier three days later.
Slovakia are two points above Luxembourg, who they play
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