PARIS (AFP, REUTERS) - European champions Italy and Portugal, the side they succeeded, could meet for a place at the 2022 World Cup after being drawn in the same play-off bracket on Friday (Nov 26). The Azzurri and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal both finished second in their qualifying groups, behind Switzerland and Serbia respectively. Italy will host North Macedonia in the play-off first round for Path C, with Turkey visiting Portugal, before the winners face off for a spot at next year's finals in Qatar. The 12 teams were split into three four-team paths - each with its own semi-finals and final. Seeded teams were guaranteed a home game in the semi-finals. The three winning teams from each path qualify for the World Cup in Qatar. Path A - Semi-final 1: Scotland v Ukraine; Semi-final 2: Wales v Austria Path B - Semi-final 3: Russia v Poland; Semi-final 4: Sweden v Czech Republic Path C - Semi-final 5: Italy v North Macedonia; Semi-final 6: Portugal v Turkey More on this topic Related Story Football: Argentina v Brazil match officials suspended for 'serious errors' Related Story Football: Denmark to wear kits highlighting human rights issues in Qatar
LISBON (REUTERS) - Serbia clinched an automatic berth in the 2022 World Cup finals after a 90th-minute header by halftime substitute Aleksandar Mitrovic gave them a comeback 2-1 win over Portugal in their Group A qualifier on Sunday (Nov 14). The result lifted Serbia into top spot on 20 points, three more than second-placed Portugal who only needed a draw to finish top on goal difference and qualify but will now head into the March playoffs. Mitrovic beat home goalkeeper Rui Patricio with a downward header at the far post to spark wild celebrations on Serbia's bench after visiting captain Dusan Tadic had cancelled out an early Renato Sanches opener for Portugal. The home side made a dream start in the second minute after Bernardo Silva robbed Nemanja Gudelj of the ball in the danger zone and fed Sanches, who drove it past goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic from 15 metres. Unfazed by falling behind, the visitors came close when Dusan Vlahovic, preferred to Mitrovic as the lone striker, hit the post before Patricio gifted Serbia the equaliser. A seemingly innocuous raid ended with Tadic taking a deflected shot from 20 metres which glided over Patricio's fingertips over the line. More poor goalkeeping presented Portugal with a gilt-edged chance to retake the lead on the stroke of halftime as Rajkovic spilled the ball, but Joao Moutinho's shot was blocked on the line by Nikola Milenkovic. Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic threw Mitrovic on for Gudelj and his gamble to deploy an extra forward for a defensive midfielder paid off as the Fulham striker, his country's all-time top scorer with 44 goals in 69 appearances, delivered. It seemed Portugal would hang on after Mitrovic headed inches wide in the 85th minute but the striker had the last laugh as he pulled away from his markers at the death to head home after Tadic's cross from the right. Mitrovic said Serbia's confidence ahead of the game was vindicated by a bold performance. "We came here to play football and having been the better side, we earned it all," he told Serbia's Nova television. "We are reaping the rewards of hard work and the belief that we would be able to defy the odds and beat Portugal. We are overjoyed, for our country and the people first and foremost." Stojkovic added: "We deserved to win tonight as the lads showed so much character. This is a massive accomplishment for Serbian football. "The team showed maturity and composure under the most intense pressure and I would have said the same thing if it had stayed 1-1 and we got confined to the playoffs." More on this topic Related Story Football: Portugal close in on World Cup after goalless draw in Ireland Related Story Football: Kane fires England to World Cup brink, Italy held by Switzerland
FARO (REUTERS) - A 58th career hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo helped Portugal stroll to a 5-0 home win over Luxembourg in Group A of World Cup qualifying on Tuesday (Oct 12). The treble, which meant Ronaldo became the first man to net 10 international hat-tricks, takes his tally to 115 international goals from 182 caps as he continues to pull away as the top men's international goalscorer of all-time. Victory ensures Portugal remain a point behind leaders Serbia, who moved onto 17 points with a 3-1 home win over Azerbaijan, with a game in hand and superior goal difference. Portugal had the game all but won within the first 18 minutes. Ronaldo struck twice from the penalty spot before his Manchester United team mate Bruno Fernandes made it three as he fired in following good work from Bernardo Silva. The forward then missed two gilt-edged chances either side of the break as he sought a third, before being denied a spectacular hat-trick goal when Anthony Moris kept out his acrobatic overhead kick. Portugal did not have to wait long for their fourth, however, as midfielder Joao Palhinha headed in from the resulting corner with just over 20 minutes to go. Ronaldo was not to be denied as the hosts pushed on, netting three minutes from time with a header from close range. Next month Fernando Santos's Portugal side travel to Ireland before then hosting Serbia in what could be a winner-takes-all fixture to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
FARO, PORTUGAL (AFP) - Cristiano Ronaldo broke the all-time international goalscoring record with his 110th Portugal goal and then scored an injury-time winner to salvage his country a dramatic 2-1 World Cup qualifying victory over the Republic of Ireland in Faro on Wednesday (Sept 1). The 36-year-old Ronaldo, whose return to Manchester United from Juventus was confirmed on Tuesday, had missed a penalty in the 15th minute before John Egan gave Ireland a half-time lead. But Ronaldo equalised in the 89th minute with a header, before outjumping the Irish defence again in the sixth minute of added time. He passes Ali Daei, who scored 109 international goals, after equalling the Iranian great's record tally during Euro 2020. "I'm so happy, not just because I beat the record, but for the special moment that we had," Ronaldo told Sky Sports. "I have to appreciate what the team did, we believed until the end. I'm so glad." Portugal sit top of Group A with 10 points from four matches, although Serbia are only three points behind with a game in hand. The group winners qualify automatically for the finals in Qatar, with the runners-up heading into the play-offs. Ireland are still only above bottom team Azerbaijan after three defeats, including a humiliating 1-0 home loss to Luxembourg in March. Luxembourg claimed a second win in World Cup qualifying for the first time in their history in the day's other match, beating the Azeris 2-1. Ronaldo was gifted the perfect opportunity to take the record on his own early on after Jeff Hendrick was adjudged to have tripped Bruno Fernandes. The referee was asked by VAR to have a second look on the pitchside monitor, but he stuck with his original decision after a lengthy delay. Ronaldo misfires But the crowd in the Algarve were stunned, as Ronaldo's well-struck penalty was saved by diving Ireland goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, a teenager who is on loan at English third-tier side Portsmouth from Manchester City. "It's part of the game, part of the business," said the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. "Sometimes you score, sometimes you make a mistake." The hosts continued to threaten, with Diogo Jota heading against the post just after the half-hour mark. Stephen Kenny's Irish side grew in confidence, though, and Aaron Connolly was denied by the legs of Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio in the 45th minute. More on this topic Related Story Football: Dutch draw with Norway in meek start under new coach Van Gaal Ireland claimed a shock lead from the resulting corner, as centre-back Egan leapt highest to glance a header into the far corner of the net. Bazunu almost went from hero to villain in first-half injury time, but managed to gather Jota's volley at the second attempt after initially allowing the ball to squirm out of his grasp. Portugal started the second half brightly although it was Ireland who almost doubled their lead, as Brighton forward Connolly fired wide under pressure from Joao Palhinha, with his penalty appeals for an apparent nudge in the back waved away. The Euro 2016 champions predictably piled on the pressure in the final half an hour, with Bernardo Silva inexplicably blazing over from only seven yards out. Ronaldo saw a free-kick from the edge of the box saved by Bazunu, but he powered a header into the net just seconds later. James McClean almost grabbed all three points for Ireland as his shot was kept out by Patricio. But with the allocated five minutes of injury time already played, Ronaldo met Joao Mario's cross with another towering header. Ronaldo was booked for his celebration and will miss Portugal's next qualifier against Azerbaijan next week through suspension, although it is unlikely he will be overly bothered by that. More on this topic Related Story Football: Griezmann scores but 10-man France held by Bosnia Related Story Football: Dynamic Denmark sink Scotland to stay top of group
MUNICH (REUTERS) - Portugal were outnumbered in midfield and failed to keep up with experienced Germany duo Toni Kroos and Ilkay Gundogan in their Euro 2020 group game, coach Fernando Santos said as he took full responsibility for Saturday's (June 19) humbling 4-2 defeat. Cristiano Ronaldo had put defending champions Portugal ahead inside 15 minutes before they were torn apart by Germany in the space of five first-half minutes as Ruben Dias and then Raphael Guerreiro bundled the ball into their own net. The Germans were relentless going forward as they carved Portugal's defence open at will and scored two more goals in the second half, with Kroos largely untroubled by a passive Portuguese midfield as he completed 86 passes. "We just tweaked our midfield tactics for the match. We just wanted to press the midfield players - Gundogan and Kroos - and we wanted our full backs to drive forward," Santos told a news conference. "But it was clear to see that we were always short of an extra man in the midfield and were pushed back. It was my strategy and I'm fully responsible for it. "In the first half, they suffered just two fouls. If we can't stop them, if we have issues having possession, then we have problems." Germany's left wing-back Robin Gosens also tormented the Portugal defence with his speed and power and capped a memorable individual display with a goal and an assist. While Santos pointed at a number of individual defensive mistakes throughout the match, he refused to blame his players for the defeat. Portugal face group leaders France in a rematch of the 2016 Euro final, knowing their progress in the tournament remains uncertain. More on this topic Related Story Football: Germany stun holders Portugal 4-2 at Euro 2020 Related Story Football: Griezmann rescues Euro draw for France against Hungary "The players should have been able to cover the right hand side. But I don't want to blame them," Santos said. "Whether we progress or not is still up to us. And we must respond against France." Germany's victory moved them level with Portugal on three points, one behind group leaders France, heading into a decisive final round of matches on Wednesday. More on this topic Related Story Football: Wasteful Spain struggle to 1-1 draw with Poland Related Story Football: De Bruyne says dead feeling in face won't affect his play
MUNICH, GERMANY (AFP) - Germany got their Euro 2020 campaign back on track – and blew Group F wide open – with a 4-2 romp against Portugal in Munich on Saturday (June 19). France’s 1-1 draw with Hungary earlier in Budapest and Germany’s win mean there is all to play for in Wednesday’s final group games when the Germans host Hungary and the French meet holders Portugal. “Overall, it was a great performance: great attitude and great morale,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew. “We rightly won by that amount and created many chances.” After Cristiano Ronaldo claimed his 107th international goal, leaving him two short of Ali Daei’s all-time record, to give Portugal an early lead, the Germans roared back with four unanswered goals. German pressure forced own goals by Ruben Dias and Raphael Guerreiro to put the hosts 2-1 up at half-time. A Kai Havertz goal underlined Germany’s dominance before left-back Robin Gosens capped his man-of-the-match display by heading in Germany’s fourth to add to his two assists. Portugal hit back when Diogo Jota tapped in Ronaldo’s hooked volley to make it 4-2 with 23 minutes left. Germany continued their domination of Portugal, who they have now beaten five consecutive times at World Cup or European Championship finals since Euro 2000. “Germany were the better team and I take responsibility for this (defeat), but whether we progress now is up to us and how we respond,” said Portugal coach Fernando Santos. Germany created a huge amount of chances compared to Tuesday’s 1-0 defeat by France, while Portugal lacked the composure of their 3-0 win over Hungary the same day. The match began at a frantic pace amid sweltering conditions in the Bavarian capital. The Germans had a goal disallowed after five minutes when VAR spotted Serge Gnabry was offside as Gosens hit a spectacular volley. However, sloppy Germany defending saw Portugal take the lead. With only Gosens and Havertz defending at a German corner, Bernardo Silva started a counter-attack, then picked out Jota in the area with a world-class pass. The Liverpool forward squared to Ronaldo, who sprinted into the box to slot the ball past Germany captain Manuel Neuer with less than 15 minutes gone. It was Ronaldo’s first goal against Germany to extend his record tally to 12 goals at five European Championship finals. However, two own goals inside four minutes turned the game. Germany drew level when another Gosens volley was flicked towards the net by Havertz, with Dias getting the final touch as the ball flew past Rui Patricio on 35 minutes. The second goal soon followed when Guerreiro turned Kimmich’s cross into his own net while trying to stop the ball reaching the on-rushing German forwards. More on this topic Related Story Football: Portugal's Santos shoulders blame for big loss to resurgent Germany Related Story Football: Griezmann rescues Euro draw for France against Hungary Gosens caused Portugal problems all afternoon on the left flank. His low cross was tapped in by Havertz six minutes after the break. The Atalanta player then capped a superb display by powering in a close-range header from Kimmich’s cross on the hour mark. German fans sang their approval, with “Oh, wie ist das schoen” (oh, is that beautiful) echoing around the Allianz Arena. Gosens was substituted soon after with his name being chanted. Portugal pulled a goal back when Guerreiro’s free-kick was hooked back by Ronaldo and turned in by Jota. Germany nearly claimed a late fifth goal when Havertz’s replacement Leon Goretzka fired over after another surging attack by the hosts. This is the first time Portugal have conceded four goals since losing 4-0 to Germany at the 2014 World Cup. More on this topic Related Story Football: Wasteful Spain struggle to 1-1 draw with Poland Related Story Football: De Bruyne says dead feeling in face won't affect his play
LISBON (AFP) - Cristiano Ronaldo was on the score-sheet as European champions Portugal beat Israel 4-0 on Wednesday (June 9) in their final warm up for the defence of their title. Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes bagged twice as Ronaldo and Joao Cancelo added for a comfortable win in Lisbon. Ronaldo's 44th minute strike was his 104th international goal in 175 matches, and leaves him five short of the record held by Iran's Ali Daei. "We put things right from the match against Spain," Portugal coach Fernando Santos said regarding the 0-0 draw with Spain in their previous match in Madrid. "I know what we have to do to win, and I have great confidence in this team," he said. Portugal are in the tricky looking Group F at the Euros with Hungary their first opponent on June 15 before they take on Germany four days later and then the reigning World Cup holders France June 23.
Toyota City, Japan, May 28, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - After victory in Portugal, the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team moves quickly onto another gruelling gravel event in the shape of Rally Italia Sardegna (June 3-6) with the aim of continuing its strong recent form.2021 Yaris WRCToyota Yaris WRC duo Sebastien Ogier and Elfyn Evans lead the way in the drivers' championship after the latter's victory on the first gravel round of 2021 in Portugal - and are separated by just two points, with a further 20 points back to the competition. Fifth in the standings is Kalle Rovanpera and sixth is TGR WRC Challenge Program driver Takamoto Katsuta - fresh from taking his best ever result of fourth in Portugal.Rally Italia Sardegna returns to its traditional June date this year after the 2020 edition was switched to the autumn. That should mean a return to some of the highest temperatures experienced all season, which combined with rough and abrasive roads can make the event particularly tough on cars and tyres. The stages are fast but narrow and lined with bushes, trees and rocks, making them tricky for the drivers too.The service park moves back to Olbia in the northeast of the island after seven years in Alghero on the west coast - although Alghero will still host the start of the rally on Thursday evening. Friday and Saturday feature mostly familiar roads from recent years, with each day consisting of a pair of stages run twice in the morning and another pair of stages run twice in the afternoon. Saturday afternoon's Bortigiadas - Aggius - Viddalba test was last driven in 2005, while Sunday has a completely different look, with two passes over the Arzachena - Braniatogghiu stage last run in 2009 plus the all-new Aglientu - Santa Teresa test on the northern coast, which will serve as the rally-ending Power Stage.Quotes:Jari-Matti Latvala (Team Principal)"We had a fantastic result in Portugal and that gives us a good feeling moving onto another gravel rally in Sardinia. We also have to be realistic going into the event. Seb and Elfyn will be the first two drivers on the road during day one, and this is usually one of the most difficult rallies in terms of road cleaning, especially now we are going back there in the summer. But we fought back well from a difficult start in Portugal and again we will try to take as many points as we can in Sardinia. We know it will be a great challenge but that's what rallying is all about."Sebastien Ogier (Driver car 1)"I'm sure that Sardinia will be another demanding rally for us, opening the road again like in Portugal. But honestly I am happy to be leading the championship: I always try to take as many points as I can, and this will be the aim in Sardinia too. The result in Portugal was positive, even though I was not so satisfied with our pace. But it was the first time driving with the new tyres on gravel, and hopefully as we gain a bit more understanding with them we can see how to extract some more performance already in this next event."Elfyn Evans (Driver car 33)"Portugal was obviously a great result for us. We made good progress with the car setup and our understanding of the tyres throughout the weekend, but even though it's quite a tight turnaround, I think we probably all have a few ideas as to how we can improve the package for Sardinia. It's not going to be an easy weekend given our road position, and that might be more of a disadvantage than it was in October last year if we have warm and dry conditions like expected, but we're going to give it our best shot as always."Kalle Rovanpera (Driver car 69)"After Portugal I really hope that we can have a better rally in Sardinia. The stages there are quite demanding and I'm not sure whether suit my style so well, even though I did win there in WRC2 in 2019. Last year it was quite a tricky event for us, but I really want to improve there and show some better pace and I have already been studying the stages quite a lot in preparation. In Portugal I struggled a lot on the first pass when the grip was lower, but we used the Sunday to test some different setups ready for Sardinia and hopefully we can use what we learned there." Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
Toyota City, Japan, May 14, 2021 - (JCN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team is ready to take on a fourth different challenge in as many events when the Rally de Portugal hosts the first gravel round of the 2021 season on May 20-23.2021 Yaris WRCFollowing a one-two finish on the last event in Croatia, Toyota leads the manufacturers' championship as well as the drivers' standings, where Sebastien Ogier holds first place after two victories in the first three rallies of the season. Elfyn Evans is third, 10 points behind his team-mate, and Kalle Rovanpera fifth, within 22 points of the lead. Once again, Takamoto Katsuta will be behind the wheel of a fourth Yaris WRC in Portugal as part of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRC Challenge Program, looking to build on three consecutive top-six finishes.The team continues to develop the Toyota Yaris WRC during its fifth season of competition and, after an update to the car's aerodynamic package debuted in Croatia, a new engine will be introduced in Portugal with improvements in power and reliability.After events on ice, snow and asphalt so far this season, Portugal marks the first in a run of consecutive events on gravel. Returning to the calendar after the 2020 edition was cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic, the rally is based in Matosinhos on the edge of the country's second largest city Porto, and is characterised by fast but technical roads. The surface is usually soft and sandy at first, offering up limited grip for those opening the road, but can often become rocky and rutted for the second pass.The rally route is similar to the last running in 2019, beginning with the ceremonial start in the city of Coimbra on Thursday evening. Friday features a loop of three stages in the nearby Arganil area which must be run twice without a mid-day service. Before returning north for the day-closing Lousada superspecial, there is a return to Mortagua for the first time in 20 years. Saturday is concentrated on the Cabreira mountains to the north-east of Porto for a loop of three stages run either side of service, before a new street test alongside the mouth of the Douro river rounds out the day. A total of five stages complete the rally on Sunday, including two passes of the returning Felguieras test and the famous Fafe, which hosts the Power Stage.For more information, visit https://toyotagazooracing.com/wrc/release/2021/rd04-preview.html. Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
BELGRADE (REUTERS) - Serbia striker Aleksandar Mitrovic became his country's all-time top scorer on 39 goals from 63 international appearances after he netted in a 2-2 home draw with Portugal in a thrilling 2022 World Cup Group A qualifier on Saturday (March 27). The Serbians fought back from two goals down to earn a share of the spoils as Fulham striker Mitrovic pulled one back in the 46th minute and Filip Kostic levelled after a Diogo Jota double had given Portugal a 2-0 lead in the first half. Liverpool forward Jota fired the European champions ahead with an 11th-minute header from a superb Bernardo Silva assist and added another in the 36th as he glanced a Cedric Soares cross from the right. But Serbia roared back at their Rajko Mitic stadium and halftime substitute Nemanja Radonjic, who engineered both their goals, gave his markers a roasting after the break and also drew a fine save from Portugal goalkeeper Anthony Lopes. Serbia defender Nikola Milenkovic was sent off in stoppage time, having been shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on an opponent and Cristiano Ronaldo had a seemingly good goal denied seconds later. Ronaldo beat Serbia keeper Marko Dmitrovic to a long ball and side-footed it towards goal only for Stefan Mitrovic to clear it but television replays suggested it had crossed the line. The result left both sides on four points from two games as Serbia edged Ireland 3-2 at home in their opening game on Wednesday while Portugal eked out a 1-0 win over Azerbaijan. The outcome also made for a bittersweet milestone for Portugal coach Fernando Santos, who reached a rare milestone of 1,000 games as head coach at club and international level combined in his 33-year long career in the dugout. More on this topic Related Story Football: Lukaku on target as Belgium draw with Czech Republic
LISBON (AFP) - N'Golo Kante scored just his second international goal as World Cup holders France defeated European champions Portugal 1-0 in Lisbon on Saturday (Nov 14) to secure a place in the Nations League finals. Chelsea midfielder Kante was quickest to react to a rebound as he netted the winner on 54 minutes that clinched France top spot in Group 3 ahead of the final round of matches. France lead Portugal by three points ahead of Tuesday's clash with Sweden in Paris but are guaranteed first place by virtue of their superior head-to-head record. Didier Deschamps' side became the first team to advance to the finals, which UEFA has pencilled in for October next year. Portugal won the inaugural edition on home soil in 2019. With victory for either country enough to win the group, Deschamps made two changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Portugal at the Stade de France last month. Kingsley Coman replaced the injured Kylian Mbappe in attack as Anthony Martial was preferred to Olivier Giroud, France's all-time second leading scorer. Paul Pogba was the only starter to begin the 2-0 friendly loss to Finland in midweek. Jose Fonte replaced the vastly experienced Pepe, sidelined by a foot problem, in a Portugal defence that had not conceded a goal in five matches. Coman forced Rui Patricio to tip over a firm strike as France made a bright start at the Estadio da Luz, with Martial denied by the legs of the Portugal goalkeeper after a neat ball through from Antoine Griezmann. Martial's only previous goal for France came four years ago, but the Manchester United striker was a constant threat against a Portugal side unbeaten in 21 matches at home. Adrien Rabiot nodded wide from a corner and then inadvertently set up Martial at a free-kick when a header from the latter smacked against the crossbar. Martial lunged to reach a dangerous Lucas Hernandez cross but was thwarted by a terrific Patricio block before Cristiano Ronaldo powered a header narrowly over on the stroke of half-time. An inspired Patricio kept France at bay until he was unable to properly deal with Rabiot's low angled strike early in the second half, pushing it straight to Kante who forced home from inside the six-yard box. Pogba fluffed a header from a pinpoint Rabiot delivery as France sought a second and Martial was again frustrated by Patricio as he flicked the ball towards goal from a Hernandez pass. Portugal nearly levelled when Hugo Lloris could only parry a speculative attempt from Raphael Guerreiro, Fonte heading against the post as the hosts kept the attack alive. The France captain then produced an excellent stop to keep out a long-range effort from Joao Moutinho as the visitors successfully absorbed late pressure to punch their ticket to next year's finals.
LISBON • No Cristiano Ronaldo, no problem. That was the takeaway from Wednesday's Nations League match, as Portugal made light of their star player's absence due to a positive Covid-19 test to see off Sweden 3-0 and stay top of their group. A Diogo Jota brace and another strike from Bernardo Silva were enough to stay level on 10 points with France and hold on to first place in League A Group 3. Ronaldo, who posted a photo of himself on social media watching the match on television wearing a Portugal top, was forced to leave the national team camp after returning a positive test for Covid-19 on Tuesday. The Juventus forward returned to Italy on Wednesday to continue his self-isolation. His Portugal teammates had few problems dealing with Sweden, who have now lost all four of their Nations League matches and are rock bottom of the group. The Swedes are three points behind Croatia, who were beaten 2-1 by France in Zagreb. "We are not better without Ronaldo, but the team had shown before that we're capable of succeeding without him," Portugal coach Fernando Santos said. "We were well-organised offensively, 3-0 is a great result. We did some very good things, then we let Sweden create a few problems for us before we regained control of the game. Sweden could have scored a goal or two, but we too could have scored more. "This team will always be better with Cristiano, but we are still able to fight for our goals." Silva curled home the opener in the 21st minute thanks to unselfish play from Jota, who laid on the ball for the Manchester City midfielder instead of going for goal himself when in a promising position. Fellow Premier League star Jota made it two just before the break when, completely unmarked, he chested down Joao Cancelo's beautifully flighted pass and slotted home. The new Liverpool signing then put the result beyond any doubt in the 72nd minute with a superb individual goal, weaving in from the left before drilling a low finish past Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen. 3 In 76 games with Portugal, Fernando Santos has lost just three competitive matches. "It was an excellent night, and one of my best performances for my country," Jota said, before adding that there was "no pressure" to replace Ronaldo. "The coach chooses the eleven for each game. We are professionals and, if the boss chooses 11 players to enter the field, these are the ones who have to work." Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes also said that it felt like business as usual despite not having Ronaldo on the pitch. He said: "We were not asked to play any differently (without him), our ambition remains the same. But it is obvious that it is easier to win with the best (player) in the world." Meanwhile, Italy lost top spot in League A Group 1 after a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands in Bergamo. The Azzurri had won 1-0 in Amsterdam last month but have now been held in three of their last four matches, including Sunday's goalless draw against Poland in Gdansk. Roberto Mancini's side dropped to second in their group on six points, one behind the Poles, who beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE