Portugal

Portugal player ratings vs Luxembourg: Goncalo Ramos runs the show in 9-0 pummeling, while suspended Cristiano Ronaldo watched from the bench

Thomas Hindle
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Rafael Leao Goncalo Ramos Portugal 2023
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.

GOAL rates Portugal's players from Estadio Algarve...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Diogo Costa (6/10):

    Had one save to make. Was otherwise a mostly irrelevant party.

    Nelson Semedo (7/10):

    Tried to overcomplicate things on a few occassions, presumably in an effort to impress the manager.

    Ruben Dias (7/10):

    Completed the most passes in the match, had little to do on the other side of the ball.

    Goncalo Inacio (8/10):

    Took his first international goal well. His second was even better. Not a bad way to mark his third international cap.

    Diogo Dalot (7/10):

    A disciplined performance that allowed Leao to do his thing further forward. Reliable performances like this will keep him in the team.

  2. Midfield

    Midfield

    Danilo Pereira (7/10):

    Handed a start after seeing very little of the pitch for PSG. Not exactly inspirational, but kept the ball moving. Exactly what was needed on the day.

    Bruno Fernandes (9/10):

    Immense in a roaming role. Assisted three of the eight goals and dictated play throughout. Deserved his goal shortly before full time. Where is this Fernandes for Man United?

    Bernardo Silva (7/10):

    A more workmanlike performance while wearing the armband. Fernandes was the creator, Pereira the destroyer, and Silva the legs in between. It's not his natural position, but he plays it well.

  4. Attack

    Attack

    Diogo Jota (8/10):

    Hit the bar in the first half, and was generally very energetic. Scored twice in the second half — took both of his goals in a typically cool manner.

    Goncalo Ramos (8/10):

    Handed a chance to repeat his World Cup success. And he seized it, taking his goals well and generally providing the energy missing from Cristiano Ronaldo's game.

    Rafael Leao (8/10):

    Electric on the ball, leaving multiple defenders in the dust at once. His assist for Ramos was sublime.

  5. Subs & Manager

    Subs & Manager

    Joao Felix (6/10):

    Hardly touched the ball for 25 minutes, then curled one into the top corner.

    Joao Cancelo (6/10):

    Enjoyed some signature roaming runs, and passed well. Still not at his best, but much improved.

    Ricardo Horta (7/10):

    Scored a fine goal within 10 minutes of his introduction.

    Otavio (N/A):

    Extra legs to give Leao a rest.

    Ruben Neves (N/A):

    He's fallen out of the international picture with Martinez at the helm. This wasn't the right scenario to prove that he deserves to be back in it.

    Roberto Martinez (8/10):

    Finally put out a more attacking side, and saw the results in full. Portugal were excellent, and deserved the big win. Ronaldo's place in the team might just need questioning, too...