Portugal kicked off their UEFA Nations League campaign with a commanding 3-1 victory over Poland on Saturday, maintaining a perfect start with three wins out of three games. The match saw Bernardo Silva and Cristiano Ronaldo net first-half goals, propelling the Group A1 leaders to the top of the standings.
Silva opened the scoring in the 26th minute, capitalizing on a header from Bruno Fernandes to put Portugal ahead. Just 11 minutes later, captain Ronaldo extended the lead, marking his 133rd international goal with a precise first-time shot after Rafael Leao's attempt struck the post.
Poland's Piotr Zielinski briefly revived their hopes in the 78th minute with a powerful strike, but Poland’s resurgence was short-lived as Jan Bednarek scored an own goal in the final minutes, sealing the victory for Portugal.
The win solidifies Portugal's dominance in Group A1, where they sit three points clear of Croatia, who recently overcame Scotland with a 2-1 result. Poland remains in third place with three points, while Scotland has yet to earn any points.
The match was notable for Ronaldo's continued excellence on the international stage. The 39-year-old Al-Nassr forward not only contributed crucial goals but also demonstrated his leadership, guiding Portugal to another victory. Despite a missed opportunity to add a third goal in the first half, Ronaldo's performance was a testament to his enduring skill and impact.
Portugal's coach, Roberto Martinez, managed Ronaldo's playing time carefully, substituting him for Diogo Jota in the 63rd minute to keep the team fresh for upcoming fixtures. Poland, under pressure after their initial defeat, struggled to find consistent scoring opportunities, ultimately falling short against a resilient Portuguese side.
As the Nations League progresses, Portugal looks strong to continue their undefeated run, showcasing their depth and talent in both offense and defense.
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Ronaldo on target as Portugal maintain perfect start in Nations League
cgtn.com
