The Portuguese legend showed that he still had a lot to offer his country in their victory over Croatia, but Joao Neves, his substitute, was falling short of him.

 

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 900th goal in appearances for Portugal in the Nations League, an exhilarating 2-1 victory over Croatia. Manchester United players Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot worked together in the area to give the home team the lead in the seventh minute.

Then Dalot evaded Dominik Livakovic. Portugal was able to withstand a sustained spell of possession, and Ronaldo added another historic goal in the 34th minute when he volleyed in a fantastic cross from Nuno Mendes.

Dalot gave the visitors a goal back four minutes before the break, slamming the ball into his net following Borna Sosa’s sliding effort. In the second half, both sides largely neutralised one another, earning Portugal three points in Group A1. On Sunday, Scotland will take on them next. At Estadio da Luz, Portugal’s players are arranged by GOAL.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Diogo Costa (7/10):

Was at full stretch to deny Andrej Kramaric’s well-struck drive but there was little he could do for his team’s own goal. A solid pair of hands in between the sticks.

Diogo Dalot (7/10):

Showed the predatory instincts of a striker with a clinical strike early doors but was unfortunate to score at the other end as the ball flicked off his ankle and past the despairing Costa. Pulled off a stunning sliding tackle to halt a dangerous Croatia attack in the game’s final quarter.

Ruben Dias (8/10):

The Manchester City star largely dealt with whatever came his way and had a swagger about him in possession.

Goncalo Inacio (6/10):

Was solid enough but didn’t look as assured at the back as defensive partner Dias.

Nuno Mendes (8/10):

Bagged a stunning assist with an inch-perfect cross into the box, as Ronaldo did the rest. The marauding full-back nearly scored a goal of his own but his rifled effort was straight at the keeper. This was an impressive, all-round display from the 22-year-old.

 

 

Midfield

Bernardo Silva (6/10):

Had a quiet first half by his lofty standards and despite getting a bit more of the ball in the second period, the City ace seemed under-used on the night.

Vitinha (7/10):

Anchored Portugal’s midfield well and drove out from deep nicely. The Paris Saint-Germain player was a smooth operator in the centre of the park.

Bruno Fernandes (8/10):

Neatly set up Dalot with some quick feet and a lofted pass, before the right-back tucked away a composed finish in a creative performance. Also did his fair share of defensive work, too.

 

Attack

Rafael Leao (7/10):

Looked a threat coming off the left wing and linked up with Ronaldo well, before being replaced at the interval.

Cristiano Ronaldo (8/10):

His powerful low drive was well saved by keeper Livakovic but he got his goal not long after with a poacher’s finish from six yards out for his 131st international goal. The Al-Nassr man was always looking for work and linked up well with his team-mates.

Pedro Neto (7/10):

Was unlucky not to make it 3-1 just before half-time as his powerful strike cannoned off the bar. He too was withdrawn for the second half.

 

Subs & Manager

Joao Neves (5/10):

Gave the ball away cheaply and had little impact when he came on. Is unlikely to start soon based off this display.

Nelson Semedo (8/10):

Showed a lot of attacking intent and was a threat every time he gallivanted forward.

Antonio Silva (7/10):

Was neat and tidy at the back when introduced.

Diogo Jota (N/A):

Didn’t get much of a chance to have a say on the contest.

Pedro Goncalves (N/A):

Had no time to make an impact.

Roberto Martinez (7/10):

His side was on song and looked slick for much of the game and his substitutes, especially Semedo, worked nicely.