Cristiano Ronaldo scored for the third consecutive Nations League match as Portugal secured a 3-1 victory over Poland on Saturday, keeping their perfect record intact.
Bernardo Silva and Ronaldo helped Portugal establish a 2-0 lead by half-time in the Group A1 clash in Warsaw. Piotr Zielinski pulled one back for Poland late in the second half, but an own goal by Jan Bednarek dashed their hopes of a comeback.
“We worked very hard over the last few days, preparing various strategies for this game, and we were able to execute them on the pitch,” said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez. “I am really satisfied because we controlled the game.”
Portugal took the lead after 26 minutes when Ruben Neves lofted the ball into the area, where Bruno Fernandes cushioned it for Silva, who scored on the volley for his 96th cap. With Poland relying on counter-attacks, Portugal was further rewarded for their positive approach with a second goal just 10 minutes later.
A steward runs to take a pitch invader away form taking selfies with Portugal’s forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo during the UEFA Nations League, League A Group A1 football match Poland vs Portugal at the National Stadium in Warsaw, Poland on October 12, 2024. (Photo by Sergei GAPON / AFP)
Rafael Leao powered into the box and fired a fierce shot that hit the post. Ronaldo was quickest to react, slotting home the rebound to claim his 133rd international goal.
This marked the 39-year-old’s third goal in three Nations League matches this season, following his strikes in victories over Croatia and Scotland. With Portugal in a comfortable position, Martinez substituted both Ronaldo and Leao just after the hour mark, bringing on Diogo Jota and Francisco Trincao.
Poland made things tense when Zielinski pulled a goal back in the 78th minute. The Inter Milan midfielder executed a neat one-two with substitute Kacper Urbanski before neatly finishing past Diogo Silva in goal for Portugal.
However, Portugal restored their two-goal lead when Bednarek scored an own goal in the 88th minute after a cross from Nuno Mendes.
“We played against one of the best teams in the world, full of great players,” said Zielinski. “But we allowed them to do too much, especially in the first half.”
Portugal now looks ahead to their match against Scotland in Glasgow on Tuesday, aiming for a fourth win in four tournament games, while Poland prepares to host Croatia.
