Portugal’s star players delivered an impressive performance to secure a 5-1 victory over Poland, propelling them into the Nations League quarter-finals and ensuring they topped their group.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal powered through a dominant second half, netting five unanswered goals after a tight opening period. Despite Poland’s slim hopes of advancing, they were the more dangerous team in the first half, with Bartosz Bereszynski and Krzysztof Piatek coming closest to breaking the deadlock. Meanwhile, Portugal struggled to find their rhythm, with Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes both failing to convert decent chances.
However, under Roberto Martinez, Portugal came alive in the second half. The breakthrough came in the 59th minute with a stunning counter-attack, as Rafael Leao and Nuno Mendes linked up brilliantly to score the opener. From there, the Selecao took control, running riot to seal a dominant win.
Ronaldo extended Portugal’s lead 13 minutes later with a penalty after Jakub Kiwior handled the ball in the box. Bruno Fernandes then sealed the win with a stunning long-range strike in the 74th minute, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.
Portugal continued to dominate, with Pedro Neto firing home a fourth goal seven minutes from time. Ronaldo capped off the performance with a spectacular bicycle kick to make it 5-1. Poland managed a late consolation goal in the 88th minute through Dominik Marczul, but it did little to change the outcome. Portugal finished top of League A Group 1 with one match remaining.
