Ronaldo Powers Portugal Towards Germany

By Portugoal.net
June 5 2005

Portugal took a giant stride towards automatic qualification for the 2006 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Slovakia. United star Cristiano Ronaldo netted in the first half after Meira's opener to secure the victory.

The returning Figo played a leading role in an impressive performance, with Cristiano Ronaldo and debutant Alex also turning in outstanding displays. First half goals from Fernando Meira and Ronaldo put Portugal three points clear at the top of their Group.

There was an emotional start to the match as Martunis, the Indonesian boy found alive 19 days after the tsunami disaster wearing a Portugal national football team shirt, was presented to all the players shortly before kick-off. He was led out holding the hand of returning captain Luís Figo, and watched the match sitting next to his hero Rui Costa.

Portugal began well with Figo especially lively and combining well with Deco and Ronaldo as Scolari’s team looked for an early breakthrough. Guimarães right-back Alex, a surprise inclusion in the team, showed no signs of debut nerves as he provided good support to Portugal’s attacks.

Nevertheless, Slovakia were not playing an overly defensive game, and indeed created the first clear chance of the match on 17 minutes. Nemeth fired in a snapshot that Ricardo blocked and the ball fell to Mintal, all on his own in front of goal, but the striker spurned the chance shooting wide with Ricardo well beaten.

Just four minutes later Portugal’s nerves were settled when Fernando Meira poked in a corner to put Scolari’s men ahead.

In a free-flowing game Slovakia hit back and Ricardo had to be alert to kick the ball off the goal line to deny Mintal after a mistake by Andrade. The central defender then almost scored at the other end as he got in front of goalkeeper Contofalski but his header lacked power and was hacked clear.

Ronaldo had already caused panic in the Slovakia defence with his strong running, and on 37 minutes he rifled a dipping left foot shot towards goal that the goalkeeper scrambled away for a corner.

Just four minutes later the stadium erupted as the Manchester United youngster fired a spectacular 25-metre free-kick into the net, this time using his right foot. It was Ronaldo’s sixth goal in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

In the second half Portugal looked to turn the screw, with Deco, Figo and Ronaldo tormenting the Slovakian rearguard. Pauleta twice came close as Portugal completely dominated, with Alex speeding down the right flank and putting a series of dangerous crosses into the box.

Slovakia rarely troubled Portugal in the second period, and Scolari took advantage to rest key players Ronaldo, Pauleta and Deco ahead of the trip to Estonia on Wednesday. Should Portugal earn another three points, their fans can start booking their German hotel rooms for June 2006.

Portugal: Ricardo, Alex, Fernando Meira, Jorge Andrade, Caneira, Petit, Maniche, Figo, Deco (Tiago, 87), Cristiano Ronaldo (Quaresma, 76), Pauleta (Postiga, 77)

Slovakia: Contofalski, Zabavnik, Varga, Petras, Had, Hlinka, Hanek (Kisel, 64), Karhan, Nemeth, Jakukbo (Vittek, 59), Mintal

Goals:
[1-0] Fernando Meira, 21
[2-0] Cristiano Ronaldo, 41

Big thanks to ManUtdWeb's friends at Portugoal.net for this article.

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]