Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal player ratings vs Liechtenstein: Cristiano Ronaldo answers critics with brace and Joao Cancelo gets much-needed goal

Thomas Hindle
Last updated
Comments (0)
Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal 2023
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to mark a straightforward 4-0 win for Portugal in Roberto Martinez's first game in charge

A Cristiano Ronaldo brace, as well as goals from Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva, gave Portugal an easy win over Liechtenstein to open Euro 2024 qualifying.

Portugal took the lead inside 10 minutes, with Joao Cancelo's deflected strike wrong-footing Benjamin Buchel to mark the first goal of Roberto Martinez's Portugal tenure.

They grabbed a second shortly after the half, Bernardo Silva lashing a shot through a crowd of bodies and past a helpless Buchel. Ronaldo provided the third, tucking a penalty into the bottom corner after Joao Cancelo was tripped inside the box.

The captain added the fourth after an hour, blasting a free-kick off Buchel's palms and into the top corner, to round off a near-perfect start to his side's qualifying campaign.

GOAL rates Portugal's players from Estadio Jose Alvalade...

Editors' Picks

  1. Goalkeeper & Defence
    Getty

    Goalkeeper & Defence

    Rui Patricio (6/10):

    Faced two shots all evening. Clean sheet.

    Joao Cancelo (9/10):

    Scored the opener with a deflected strike from outside the box. Won a penalty for the second, completed the most dribbles in the match. An attacking clinic from a right-back with a point to prove.

    Danilo Pereira (6/10):

    Translated some of his solid centre-back play from PSG into the national team.

    Ruben Dias (7/10):

    Completed the most passes in the match, made some lovely runs forward.

    Goncalo Inacio (6/10):

    A good outing with very few defensive responsibilities for the 21-year-old.

    Raphael Guerreiro (6/10):

    Lively down the left, argued with Ronaldo about his forward runs once or twice.

  2. Midfield
    Getty

    Midfield

    Bruno Fernandes (8/10):

    Blasted one wide after a lovely piece of skill. Created seven chances, looked to get forward, was Portugal's liveliest option in the first half.

    Joao Palhinha (7/10):

    Kept the ball moving, offered some solidity, but Portugal didn't need a defensive midfielder here.

    Bernardo Silva (7/10):

    Scored the second, lashing one through a crowd of bodies to give Portugal a comfortable lead. Was otherwise limited creatively.

  4. Attack
    Getty

    Attack

    Joao Felix (7/10):

    Given plenty of room to operate, but didn't always provide the final pass. A delight to watch on the ball, though.

    Cristiano Ronaldo (9/10):

    Scored twice, and could have added a third on the night when he became the most capped player in international football history. Is now the only men's footballer to score 100 competitive international goals. Vintage Cristiano.

  5. Subs & Manager
    Getty

    Subs & Manager

    Ruben Neves (7/10):

    Made his case for a consistent spot with a fine 25 minutes.

    Rafael Leao (6/10):

    Almost scored a spectacular overhead kick.

    Vitinha (6/10):

    Kept it simple.

    Goncalo Ramos (N/A):

    Replaced Ronaldo with 15 minutes remaining. Barely touched the ball.

    Joao Mario (N/A):

    A puzzling late introduction.

    Roberto Martinez (9/10):

    Went with a back five in his managerial debut, and Portugal played some good stuff. Can't complain after running out 4-0 winners, but might face some critics for setting up so defensively against an inferior opponent.