Ronaldo silent in Portugal's victory

Slovakia Cristiano Ronaldo failed to score and was shown a yellow card as Portugal beat hosts Slovakia 1-0 in Group J of Euro 2024 qualifying.

* Goal: Bruno Fernandes 43'

At the Tehelné pole stadium in Bratislava on the evening of September 8, Ronaldo played the entire match. He won two aerial duels, did not dribble past anyone, and had six shots - the most of any player on either side, including three on target and three off target, but did not score. The best chance for the Portuguese captain came in the 76th minute, after a favorable pass from Fernandes, but Ronaldo's reflexes were poor and he missed the opportunity.

Not only that, Ronaldo also received a yellow card in the 62nd minute after colliding with home goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. This was the striker's third yellow card in the first five matches of the Euro 2024 qualifiers. He will have to sit out the next match against Luxembourg, on September 11.

Ronaldo received a yellow card after colliding with goalkeeper Dubravka at Tehelné pole stadium, Bratislava on the evening of September 8. Photo: LUSA

Portugal - currently ranked 9th in the FIFA rankings - also struggled against their opponents, ranked 47th. Ronaldo and his teammates had more possession and attack, but did not pose any real danger. It was not until the 17th minute that they finally had a shot on target for Slovakia. But Fernandes' shot was easily saved by goalkeeper Dubravka.

Slovakia were less aggressive, but still managed to cause problems for Portugal. The home team pressed high up the pitch and in midfield, causing Portugal to lose possession repeatedly. In these situations, the away team's coach Roberto Martinez stood with his arms crossed and looked tense.

In the 42nd minute, Slovakia almost opened the score. Lukas Haraslin had enough space and time to adjust the ball, but his shot missed the Portuguese goal.

Immediately after this missed opportunity from the home team, Portugal unexpectedly opened the scoring. From a pass from Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes penetrated the right side of the penalty area and shot low across the corner, beyond the reach of Dubravka. The midfielder from Man Utd scored on his 29th birthday.

Bruno Fernandes (left) celebrates the opening goal in the Slovakia - Portugal match on the evening of September 8. Photo: A Bola

After conceding the goal, Slovakia attacked more strongly. The home team repeatedly threatened the penalty area and forced Portugal into a defensive position.

In the last 30 minutes, the match became more open. Slovakia pushed up the attack to find an equalizer. Meanwhile, Portugal also tried to attack to widen the gap, but failed.

In extra time, Slovakia created many set pieces aimed at the Portuguese goal. However, the visitors successfully defended their 1-0 victory. Portugal won their fifth consecutive match in Group J of the Euro 2024 qualifiers, thereby continuing to lead with a perfect 15 points. Meanwhile, Slovakia is second with 10 points. Luxembourg also has 10 points, but is ranked third due to a lower goal difference.

Ronaldo dribbles the ball during a match at Tehelné pole stadium, Bratislava on the evening of September 8. Photo: LUSA

Bosnia is fourth with six points, while Iceland has just three points and is fifth. Bottom team Liechtenstein has no points. The top two teams in each Euro qualifying group will advance to the finals in Germany next year.

Thanh Quy

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