Lisbon (AFP)

Goals scored by Bernardo Silva, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gonçalo Guedes led Portugal to an easy success against Luxembourg (3-0) on Friday in Lisbon in the Euro-2020 qualifiers, bringing European champions closer to home. title of a qualification to defend their crown.

Ultra domineering, the Portuguese first scored through Bernardo Silva in the first half (16th), before unfolding during the second act with achievements of the captain and fivefold Golden Ball Cristiano Ronaldo (65th) then Gonçalo Guedes (89th).

With this victory, the Portuguese are firmly in the second place of the group B, five lengths of Ukraine which account one more match and disposed at the same time of Lithuania (2-0).

The two teams, very well placed to qualify, will meet again on Monday in Kiev for a clash between unbeaten.

In a one-sided match, Portugal quickly achieved its domination without, however, taking shelter immediately despite several attempts to defend a well-organized Luxembourg.

- New record for Ronaldo -

Silva, the Manchester City striker, accused of racism for a tweet to his teammate Benjamin Mendy and under suspension of six matches of the English Football Federation (FA), took advantage of Nelson Semedo to score in deserted cages by Luxembourg goalkeeper Anthony Moris (16).

A realization that will undoubtedly be good for the 25-year-old, defended by his coach and his teammates throughout the week. Replaced by Gonçalo Guedes for the last quarter of an hour, the former AS Monaco player had the right to an ovation of some 47,000 spectators at the Jose Alvalade stadium, which is home to Sporting Portugal.

The inevitable Cristiano Ronaldo meanwhile had to wait the second half to intercept a bad pass behind Luxembourg defender Maxime Chanot to his goalkeeper and score a subtle balloon stung (65).

The Juventus striker shot his career goals record to 94 but was stuck with a total of 699 goals for his entire career.

Before finding the flaw, 'CR7' tried a left-foot shot (23), an up-and-down shot (51) or a shot from the right (58) but the five-time Golden Ball has always found the Luxembourg porter on his way.

In the final minutes, Gonçalo Guedes gave more relief to the Portuguese victory: the winger of Valencia scored a clear shot in the heart of the Luxembourg area (89).

Joao Felix had his heart set to score his first goal under the colors of his national team but the striker transferred from Benfica Lisbon to Atlético Madrid this summer for EUR 126 million too crossed his half-volley (15). A party surrendered to Ukraine?

© 2019 AFP