Cristiano Ronaldo scores twice in a 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory in Armenia, just as Portugal remembers Diogo Jota.
Released on September 6, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest to play in the record sixth World Cup began in a typical way with two goals as Portugal won the qualifying campaign by routing Armenia 5-0.
Saturday’s match was an emotional day for the Portuguese as it was their first international fixture since he died in a car accident along with his younger brother Andre Silva in a car accident in July.
Recommended Stories
List of 4 itemsEnd of the list
The stadium fell silently as both teams observed a moment of silence before kickoff.
Ronaldo’s goals extended his record to 140 as the highest scorer in men’s international football, highlighting his lasting motivation to continue setting more benchmarks before his storied career was over.
The 40-year-old Football Great recently signed a new contract with Saudi club Al Nassr, leading Portugal to victory in the UEFA Nations League in June.
The World Cup is one major trophy that is shunning him. He left great rival Lionel Messi, 38, who won the biggest award in football in Argentina in 2022.
Next year will be Ronaldo’s last chance when the tournament is performed in the US, Canada and Mexico. Like him, Messi also played in his sixth World Cup, setting him apart from other players with many names that appeared in the five.
Ronaldo – Five-time Champions League winner, lifting the European Championship Trophy in his country, but was attacked by each half at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium as Portugal got off to a flight start in Group F.
Joao Felix also scored twice, reaching the opening goal just 10 minutes later. Portugal then cruised.
Joao Cancelo was the other scorer and slotted on his team’s third goal. He marked the first half strike by pointing to the sky with both hands, remembering Jota’s trademark celebration.
“I have previously said that preparation was well prepared, just like the players’ actions and the work they’ve done over the past few days,” Portugal manager Roberto Martinez said afterwards. “We need to recover well now. The Hungarian match (Tuesday) is another challenge.”
Martinez added his thoughts on Ronaldo’s goals in the 21st minute. That’s the same number that Jota wore in his jersey for the club and country. “The signal that scores in 21 minutes comes from our Diogo,” he said.
England beat Andorra to maintain their victory record
England maintained a 100% record in qualifying with a 2-0 victory over Andorra at Villa Park.
Thomas Tuschel’s team is the head of Group K, who won four straight games after their own goals from Christian Garcia and Declan Riceheader.
While Ronaldo was even richer on his record, Harry Kane remained frustrated as Britain failed to persuade him again under Chuchel.
The 1-0 victory over Andorra in June was described by one British newspaper as the “worst ever” in Britain. It then followed a 3-1 home loss against Senegal, friendly and friendly, before the end of the season.
Tuchel made 10 changes to his team, but while there was improvement, England had to struggle against Andorrans, who still ranked 174th.
Garcia took to open the score when he accidentally saw a Noni Madueke rolled up cross into his net in the 25th minute.
England created more opportunities after the break, and Andorra goalkeeper Iker Alvarez made two great saves from close range to deny Ebeki Eze and Elliot Anderson.
Rice headed out from Reese James’ cross to the far post 67 days.
Kane, the UK’s greatest scorer of all time, was unable to extend his record. His best chance came when he couldn’t connect with James’ first half cross and the open net aiming.
Also in Group K, Serbia beat Latvia 1-0, moving second at the table. England will play Serbia on Tuesday.
