Cristiano Ronaldo rediscovered his goal scoring form Friday night as Portugal walloped minnows, Andorra 6-0 in a World Cup qualifying match.
Ronaldo who has been struggling for form with Real Madrid opened his account after 73 seconds, driving the ball home after Andorra failed to clear a corner, and headed home Ricardo Quaresma’s cross in the fourth minute.
Jose Fonte was brilliantly denied by Andorra goalkeeper Josep Gomes, Andre Silva hit the bar and Ronaldo was close with another header before Joao Cancelo added Portugal’s third with a mis-hit cross in the 44th minute.
Ronaldo sealed his hat-trick in the 47th minute with a fierce volley from Andre Gomes’ cross.
It was the Portugal captain’s fourth hat-trick for his country, taking his tally to 65 goals in 134 internationals.
Andorra midfielder Jordi Rubio was sent off in the 62nd minute after receiving a second booking for a bad foul on Ronaldo.
Andorra were then reduced to nine men in the 70th minute after midfielder Marc Rebes was shown a straight red card for kicking Ronaldo.
Valente Silva sealed the rout with a deflected cross from close range in the 86th minute.
This post was last modified on November 30, 2018 1:48 pm
