2 years ago
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United and Diogo Jota of Liverpool collaborated brilliantly to react to Lionel Messi's five-goal haul for Argentina on Sunday night.
On Sunday night, Cristiano Ronaldo retaliated against Lionel Messi's shenanigans in the only manner he knows how: by scoring goals for fun.
Diogo Jota also contributed significantly, setting up the Manchester United striker and playing a key role in two of the goals. Overall, Portugal put in a great performance in a competition that they have learned to enjoy.
The Selecao won the first Nations League in 2019, and following a strong start to this season's campaign, they will be hoping to repeat the feat. Much will hinge on Ronaldo's availability for the final, although he has showed no signs of slowing down.
Portugal thrashed Switzerland 4-0, and it all started with Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick, which was just parried by Gregor Kobel. William Carvalho scored on the rebound, but it took 20 minutes for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to score.
Jota set up the 37-year-old for a 12-yard screamer, which was followed by Ronaldo's second goal. After another Kobel blunder, Joao Cancelo finished the scoring by netting from 20 yards.
After drawing with Spain on Thursday, Portugal is unblemished in their opening two National League matches this summer. After a draw against Czech Republic, Luis Enrique's side wasted the chance to draw level with Fernando Santos' side, however it could have been worse had it not been for a late equalizer.
It means that the Portuguese have a goal differential advantage over the Czechs, who they will face on Thursday.
Ronaldo's brace brings his overall number of goals for his country to 117 in his career, though Messi will be hoping to catch him shortly. And with the way he's scoring for Argentina right now, it's not out of the question.
After scoring all five goals in Argentina's friendly victory over Estonia, the Paris Saint-Germain striker had his own dream night. After defeating Italy in the Finalissima on Wednesday, the South American champs had another successful night.
On Sunday night in Pamplona, where the friendly versus Estonia took place, Messi provided two assists while taking center stage. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner scored his first goal from the penalty spot, then added two more goals before halftime.
With no chance of a comeback, the 34-year-old kept his cool by scoring two more goals, making it the first time he has scored five goals for his country. He did, however, score five goals for Barcelona in a 7-1 triumph over Bayer Leverkusen in 2012.
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