Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a masterclass performance, including a spectacular overhead kick, as Portugal overwhelmed Poland 5-1 on Friday to secure their place in the Nations League quarter-finals alongside Europe’s elite.
The comprehensive victory puts Portugal through to the last eight with France, Germany, Italy and Spain, while eliminating Poland from Group A1 contention despite Robert Lewandowski’s absence through injury.
After a tepid first half where Ronaldo notably missed from close range, Portugal unleashed an explosive second-half display. Rafael Leao ignited the scoring surge just before the hour mark, orchestrating and finishing a flowing move that saw Nuno Mendes deliver a precise cross for the AC Milan striker to head past Polish goalkeeper Marcin Bulka.
Ronaldo extended the lead from the penalty spot after Jakub Kiwior’s handball, before Bruno Fernandes capitalized on Vitinha’s clever run to make it 3-0 in the 80th minute. Pedro Neto quickly added a fourth, finishing off an incisive Ronaldo pass that split the Polish defense.
The Portuguese captain saved his best for last, executing an acrobatic overhead kick in the 87th minute for his second goal of the night. Poland managed a late consolation through Dominik Marczuk, who had earlier been denied by an excellent Diogo Costa save.
“This was a complete performance from the team, especially in the second half,” Ronaldo told reporters. “We showed what we’re capable of when we play our game.”
Poland, missing record scorer Lewandowski due to a back injury, had shown early promise with Marczuk and Nicola Zalewski testing Costa before Portugal’s second-half onslaught.
The victory not only secures Portugal’s progression but sends a strong message to their European rivals as the tournament enters its knockout phase.
