UEFA Nations League 2022/23: Portugal beat Switzerland 4-0 – After starting on the bench last time, Cristiano Ronaldo responded to his recall in a magnificent Portugal performance against Switzerland. Cristiano Ronaldo gave an emphatic reminder of his value to Portugal as he fired them to a 4-0 victory over Switzerland in the Nations League. Follow Portugal vs Switzerland LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
UEFA Nations League: Cristiano Ronaldo’s BRACE helps Portugal beat Switzerland 4-0, Portugal top Group 2 standings, Watch Portugal beat Switzerland HIGHLIGHTS
🇵🇹 Cristiano Ronaldo has now reached 1⃣1⃣7⃣ goals for Portugal 👏
He scored twice in Portugal’s 4-0 win over Switzerland ⚽️⚽️ #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/Ku4m0Sk02u
— UEFA Nations League (@EURO2024) June 5, 2022
UEFA Nations League: Cristiano Ronaldo scores BRACE in a 4-0 victory
The veteran forward and captain was rested to the bench for his country’s opener with Spain on Thursday, forced to make do with a half-hour cameo in the 1-1 draw.
But the Manchester United star sent a searing message of his indispensability to coach Fernando Santos on his return to the starting line-up, bagging a double after setting up the opener for the hosts at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
For Murat Yakin’s Swiss visitors, a second defeat of the Nations League in as many games leaves them facing a tough remaining schedule, after losing to the Czech Republic last time out.
It could have been so different though, after a lively start in Lisbon looked to have thrown up a wretched start for the hosts when Haris Seferovic prodded in from close range amid a crowded box.
UEFA Nations League: Portugal top Group 2 standings
Portugal were let off the hook, however, when VAR intervened to deem Fabian Schar had committed a handball infringement in the build-up from Xherdan Shaqiri’s corner.
After that early scare, Santos’ side sought to impose themselves and were rewarded on the quarter-hour mark when William Carvalho tapped home the rebound after Ronaldo’s free-kick was pushed out.
From there, Ronaldo unfurled his instinct for hitting goals in rapid succession, first doubling his side’s lead with a smooth strike from Diogo Jota’s cut-back in the 35th minute, before adding a second for himself four minutes later with a tap-in.
The captain almost had a hat-trick before the break, steering an effort wide, and even as the goals dried up after the interval, he remained a potent marshal for Portugal’s steady hold on the encounter.
With a three-goal cushion a bridge too far for Switzerland, the visitors proved particularly toothless in response. When Joao Cancelo struck in the 68th minute, what little resistance the Swiss had displayed perished as the hosts steered themselves to a resounding victory.
What’s Next?
Portugal play again on Thursday, when they host the Czech Republic in further Nations League action. Switzerland return home to welcome Spain to the Stade de Geneve.
UEFA Nations League: Cristiano Ronaldo’s BRACE helps Portugal beat Switzerland 4-0, Portugal top Group 2 standings, Watch Portugal beat Switzerland HIGHLIGHTS
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