Ronaldo leads Portugal procession
Wednesday, 13 October 2004
[1] Two goals each from Cristiano Ronaldo and substitute Petit propelled Portugal to a stunning victory against Russia and the top of FIFA World Cup qualifying Group 3.
Strong start
[2] Portugal pressed from the outset against a Russian side depleted by injury, and goals from Pauleta, Ronaldo and Deco before half-time ensured the UEFA EURO 2004™ finalists responded to Saturday's 2-2 draw with Liechtenstein in the best possible fashion. Simão Sabrosa, Ronaldo again and Petit twice were on target in the second period as Portugal joined Slovakia on ten points at the head of the standings.
One change
[3] Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari made one change from that match, bringing in defender Miguel for Jorge Ribeiro. Russia had beaten Luxembourg 4-0 on Saturday despite missing eight players through injury, and coach Georgi Yartsev introduced Evgeni Aldonin and Dmitri Sennikov to his starting lineup.
Marked improvement
[4] Scolari had demanded a marked improvement from his side after Saturday's dispiriting draw, and it was soon clear he would get it. Ronaldo burst into the box on three minutes and shot fiercely at goal, but Viacheslav Malafeev palmed his effort away.
Pauleta strikes
[5] Russia, in a rematch of the EURO 2004™ tie between the two sides which the Portuguese won 2-0, looked to contain the hosts and strike on the break, and for 25 minutes the ploy worked. But just when the home crowd began to grow restless, Portugal struck, Ronaldo crossing low for Pauleta to score from close range.
Smertin chance
[6] Portugal's dominance was absolute, but against the run of play Russia almost worked their way back into the game. The ball bounced kindly for Aleksei Smertin on the edge of the area and his powerful volley was acrobatically punched clear by Ricardo.
Ronaldo strikes
[7] Moments later, Portugal got their second, Pauleta steering a low pass across goal that Ronaldo touched in. FC Barcelona playmaker Deco then added a third with a delightful curling shot from the edge of the area.
Further goals
[8] Portugal did not let up after the interval. Ronaldo scored the fourth on 69 minutes with a swerving drive from 25 metres and though Andrei Arshavin, who also scored against Luxembourg on Saturday, pulled one back for Russia, Simão restored the four-goal cushion with a powerful drive moments later.
Petit double
[9] Substitute Petit provided the final flourish with two stunning strikes as Portugal found their scoring form. Luxembourg are next in line for Scolari's side in November, while Russia, on four points from three games, play host to Estonia.
Pauleta (top) celebrates after scoring Portugal's first goal