Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo became Europe’s record international goalscorer when his early bullet header for Portugal earned a trying 1-0 win against Morocco, who became the first nation eliminated from World Cup 2018.
Ronaldo, 33, rose highest in the fourth minute to nod home Monaco midfielder Joao Moutinho’s inviting centre at Luzhniki Stadium. This was both a leading fourth goal in Russia and 85th effort for his nation in 152 matches – bettering Ferenc Puskas’ tally set for Hungary from 1945-56.
Morocco responded in determined fashion, but could not convert a succession of presentable chances.
Here are our Portugal player ratings:
PORTUGAL (4-4-2)
Rui Patricio – 7: Was busier than he would have expected to be. Second-half duel with Galatasaray’s Younes Belhanda produced a stunning save from a low header.
Cedric Soares – 5: Southampton right-back had to dig in and help his over-run defence. But Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech regularly asked serious questions of him.
Pepe – 7: Morocco produced an aerial bombardment from the flanks. Easily contained Yeni Malatyaspor centre forward Khalid Boutaib and made a brave late block from Ziyech’s shot.
Jose Fonte – 6: The Dalian Yifang centre-back can count himself lucky not to have conceded a first-half penalty for a clear barge on Boutaib. Better game than in 3-3 Spain draw.
Raphael Guerreiro – 5: Guerreiro’s injury travails at Borussia Dortmund can’t have helped him stop a determined Nordin Amrabat. Looked short of his best.
Bernardo Silva – 4: Another disappointing performance from the Manchester City winger. Will be thankful replacement Gelson Martins wasn’t much better during his time on the pitch.
Joao Moutinho – 5: Produced the assist for Ronaldo’s emphatic header. Otherwise, was part of a Portugal midfield that lost the ball with alarming regularity as Morocco pressed.
William Carvalho – 5: The – former? – Sporting Lisbon defensive midfielder provided the flimsiest of shields for his embattled defence as the Moroccans registered more than 10 attempts.
Joao Mario – 5: A nondescript afternoon for the Internazionale-owned midfielder. Was no surprise to see him hooked for the man he replaced in the XI – Bruno Fernandes.
Goncalo Guedes – 5: Dreadful form of AC Mian’s Andre Silva must be only thing keeping him in the team. Denied a goal by a stunning one-handed save from Morocco goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 7: A nation in need turned to Ronaldo, once again. Emphatic header made him Europe’s record international goal scorer. Ballooned over in second half.
2 - Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first Portugal player since José Torres in 1966 to score a goal with his right foot, left foot and head in a single World Cup tournament. Collection. #POR #MAR #PORMAR #Ronaldo #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/liZrUSyXmq
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 20, 2018
SUBS
Gelson Martins – 5: Did not punish the listless Bernardo Silva. Will hope for a start against Iran to prove worth.
Bruno Fernandes – 5: Did superbly well for Sporting last term, but this form hasn’t been witnessed in Russia.
Adrien Silva – N/A: Leicester City midfielder came on in the 89th minute and still managed to pick up a booking.
