Portugal vs Iceland: Ronaldo and Team Secure Perfect 10 in Euro 2024 Qualifying

In a dazzling display of dominance, Portugal sealed their ‘Perfect 10’ in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, triumphing 2-0 against Iceland in Lisbon. This victory, the tenth in as many matches, propels Cristiano Ronaldo and his team into the next stage with pride and momentum.

Portugal’s Perfect 10 Journey

The hosts, eager to cap off their campaign with a win, asserted their control early on, commanding 78% possession in the first half. Despite 15 shots, it took until the 37th minute for Bruno Fernandes to break the deadlock with a powerful low drive from just inside the box.

If Cristiano Ronaldo scores in Portugal vs Iceland, i will share 500k to people that likes❤️ this post. pic.twitter.com/NqSgZdINHA

— Mr Blossom 👑 (@iammrblossom) November 19, 2023

The second half saw a continuation of Portugal’s dominance, with substitute Ricardo Horta securing the 2-0 lead after a rebound favored him. Iceland’s goalkeeper, Hakon Valdimarsson, played a key role in preventing further goals, denying Ronaldo and making crucial saves.

Ronaldo’s Golden Boot Pursuit

As the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign unfolded, Cristiano Ronaldo aimed for the Golden Boot with ten goals in eight games. However, Romelu Lukaku’s four-goal performance for Belgium shifted the dynamic, leaving Ronaldo with missed opportunities in this match.

Player of the Match: Joao Felix

Portugal’s Joao Felix stole the spotlight with a stellar performance, showcasing dazzling footwork and creating numerous attacking opportunities. Despite not finding the net, Felix’s contribution was undeniable, earning him the Player of the Match title.

Player Ratings

• Portugal: Costa 6; Mario 7, Dias 7, Inacio 6, Cancelo 7; Silva 7, Otavio 7, Fernandes 8, Palhinha 7, Felix 8; Ronaldo 6. Subs: Horta 7, Guerreiro 6, Vitinha 6.
• Iceland: Valdimarsson 8; Hermannsson 6, Thorarinsson 6, Ingason 8, Palsson 6; Sigurdsson 6, Johannesson 6, Willumsson 5; Thorsteinsson 5, Finnbogason 4, Gudmundsson 5. Subs: Oskarsson 5, Gudjohnsen 6, Ellertsson 6, Traustason 6.

Key Moments

• 37’ GOAL! Bruno Fernandes breaks the deadlock with a thumping low drive.
• 52’ EXCELLENT SAVE DENIES RONALDO. Valdimarsson denies Ronaldo’s powerful header with a diving save.
• 66’ GOAL! Substitute Ricardo Horta secures the 2-0 lead with a tap-in from a rebound.

Key Stats

• Portugal’s 10 wins from 10 games mark their first unbeaten European Championship qualifying campaign.
• Iceland’s ten points signal their worst European Championship qualifying group stage since Euro 2012.

10 wins in 10 games.

Portugal finish their Euro qualifying with a perfect record 💯 pic.twitter.com/g6mEF9Ihw1

— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 19, 2023

Conclusion

Portugal’s journey to a perfect record stands as a testament to their prowess, setting the stage for a formidable presence in Euro 2024.