Portugal player ratings vs. Liechtenstein: Cristiano Ronaldo keeps scoring goals! Ageless provided a vital spark to a sluggish Selecao side, helping the team to a narrow victory

Cristiano Ronaldo played a heroic role to salvage an otherwise shaky performance for Portugal, scoring the first goal in a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein. Although the Selecao kept a clean sheet and outscored their opponents 29-5, it was not a clean game. Roberto Martinez’s side often struggled to create chances and will feel this should have been an easier win.

Portugal created few chances in the first half and were often frustrated by the hosts’ tenacious defense. The Selecao took a total of 14 shots, but only 4 were on target in the opening game. Ronaldo came closest on the stroke of half-time, firing straight at Benjamin Butcher in stoppage time.

The captain’s opener was a throwback, with the winger running down the left before firing past the helpless goalkeeper. Joao Cancelo added another shortly after, firing home a fine strike. Butcher mistake. Goncalo Ramos was absent for the third time, capping a somewhat frustrating night.

Portugal should really make this easier. With nearly 200 places separating the two teams in the FIFA rankings, the Selecao shouldn’t have to take so long to score, nor should they have to wait so long to score. Still, with Euro 2024 qualifiers confirmed, it’s effectively a knockout match for a team that could be crying out loud next summer – especially if their key players are still up front.

Target Portuguese player reviews at Rheinpark Stadium…