Cristiano Ronaldo’s bid to feature in a record sixth FIFA World Cup began in trademark fashion as he scored twice to inspire Portugal to a 5-0 victory over Armenia in their opening qualifier.
Saturday’s match carried added poignancy for Portugal, being their first outing since forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva tragically died in a car crash in July.
Both teams observed a minute’s silence before kick-off at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium.
The players and officials stand for a minute of silence in tribute to Portugal’s Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva before the match
Ronaldo’s double stretched his men’s international scoring record to 140 goals and 942 career goals, underlining the 40-year-old’s enduring drive to keep breaking barriers.
Having recently extended his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, Ronaldo remains focused on the one major honour that has eluded him — the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
João Félix opened the scoring inside 10 minutes before adding a second, while João Cancelo netted Portugal’s third, pointing to the skies in tribute to Jota with his celebration.
Ronaldo’s goals came either side of half-time, sealing an emphatic win for Roberto Martinez’s side.
“The signal to score in the 21st minute is from our Diogo,” Martinez reflected, noting the symbolism of Ronaldo’s first goal, struck in the same minute as Jota’s iconic No. 21 shirt. “The preparation was good and the players worked very well. Now we need to recover quickly for Hungary on Tuesday.”
For Ronaldo, the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is likely his last chance to capture the trophy, with long-time rival Lionel Messi also targeting a record sixth tournament appearance.
England edge Andorra to keep perfect start
England maintained their 100 percent record in Group K with a 2-0 victory over Andorra at Villa Park, though questions remain over Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Christian Garcia’s own goal from a Noni Madueke cross broke the deadlock midway through the first half, before Declan Rice sealed the win with a header from Reece James’s delivery in the 67th minute.
England, who had beaten Andorra only 1-0 in June in what was branded “their worst ever” performance by sections of the British press, showed greater energy but still laboured against the 174th-ranked side.
Captain Harry Kane, aiming to extend his scoring streak, endured a frustrating evening, missing a gilt-edged chance in the first half. Iker Álvarez in goal for Andorra further denied Eberechi Eze and debutant Elliott Anderson with sharp saves.
Tuchel made 10 changes to his lineup following a recent 3-1 friendly defeat to Senegal, but improvement was only gradual.
England now top the group with four wins from four ahead of a tougher test away to Serbia on Tuesday, who beat Latvia 1-0 to move into second place.