Cristiano Ronaldo showed a holiday in Ibiza has helped recharge his batteries, but it was Ricardo Quaresma who truly energised Portugal as Fernando Santos’ side delivered a devastating attacking performance before heading to France.
Ronaldo and Quaresma both bagged braces as Estonia were cut to pieces in Lisbon, with the latter pressing his claims to be given a starting role for Portugal’s Group F opener against Iceland on Tuesday.
Quaresma was all flicks, tricks and incisive running, with Estonia failing to handle the Besiktas forward.
Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo only joined up with the squad on Sunday having been given an extended break by Santos in the wake of Los Blancos’ Champions League victory.
And the 31-year-old displayed signs that, unlike the World Cup two years ago, he is heading into Euro 2016 at near peak fitness.
Ricardo Quaresma was on fire for Portugal tonight 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/jMlVIwYsOv
— 101 Great Goals (@102greatgoals) June 8, 2016
There were also noteworthy performances by Danilo and Andre Gomes in midfield, while Renato Sanches’ 32-minute cameo, albeit with the Estonians well beaten, showed his the range of his abilities with a midfield display full of bite, pace and calm passing.
After the Estonians did well to limit Portugal’s first attacking forays, the rout began 10 minutes before half-time when Quaresma found space down the left flank and delivered a wonderful curling cross with the outside of his right boot. Ronaldo was waiting patiently at the far post and promptly delivered a powerful diving header into the net from six yards out.
The hosts had their second a few minutes later with Quaresma again lurking on the left, although this time he was inside the penalty area, and as the Estonian defence expected another cross, the former Al Ahli winger instead curled a delightful flighted shot inside the top corner.
Ronaldo made it three before the break as his one-two with Joao Mario saw Portugal break at pace and although his shot was slightly fortuitous with the ball spinning off an Estonian defender, the finish was clinical.
Ronaldo was replaced by Nani at half-time, as Santos began to experiement with his squad. But still the scoring at the Estadio da Luz continued as the impressive Danilo coverted Quaresma’s out-swinging corner with a fine header.
Quaresma continued to cause havoc, this time operating on the right, and his whipped cross just after the hour mark was eventually deflected into his own net by the unlucky Karol Mets after goalkeeper Pavel Londak’s poor punch.
At five goals to the good, Portugal could have strolled through the remaining minutes but Santos’ side displayed a ruthlessness and desire that would have no doubt pleased their coach.
Quaresma claimed the sixth with a low drilled finish from the corner of the penalty area after Sanches had stolen possession and advanced forward at pace.
Then Lille striker Eder then put the finishing touches to an impressive night, controlling Gomes’ chipped pass and scoring from close range.
