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Ronaldo Double Inspires Portugal to 5–0 Rout of Armenia in Emotional World Cup Qualifier

On an evening filled with emotion and determination, Portugal opened their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in emphatic style, thrashing Armenia 5–0 in Lisbon. The victory came just days after the untimely passing of forward Diogo Jota, a loss that weighed heavily on Roberto Martínez’s squad.

Cristiano Ronaldo once again proved why, even at 40, his legacy is unmatched. The veteran striker struck twice—once in each half—taking his international tally to 132 goals, extending his record as the highest scorer in men’s international football. His composure and finishing power left the Armenian defence overwhelmed, setting the tone for a commanding Portuguese performance.

The breakthrough arrived early when João Félix, Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr teammate, nodded home João Cancelo’s pinpoint cross in the 10th minute. Within 11 minutes, Ronaldo doubled the advantage with a clinical finish from Pedro Neto’s delivery. Cancelo then joined the scoresheet, drilling in Portugal’s third before half-time.

The second half began with fireworks. Just 45 seconds after the restart, Ronaldo produced the night’s highlight—a thunderous half-volley from 25 yards that left Armenian goalkeeper Henri Avagyan helpless. The strike underlined the forward’s enduring class, recalling moments from his peak years at Real Madrid. Withdrawn in the 57th minute to a standing ovation, Ronaldo left the pitch having nearly completed another hat-trick.

Félix, who has struggled for consistency at club level in recent years, sealed the result in style with an audacious scorpion flick, underlining Portugal’s depth in attacking talent.

This comprehensive victory not only marked Martínez’s strongest start to a qualifying campaign but also reinforced Portugal’s status as one of Europe’s most feared attacking sides. With Ronaldo still delivering at the highest level and a new generation led by Félix, Cancelo, and João Neves emerging, the Seleção appear well placed for a deep run towards the 2026 finals.

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