Ronaldo nets twice for Portugal in emotional World Cup qualifier in Armenia

Portugal’s winning start to its qualifying campaign was followed by a 5-0 win over Armenia, which is how Cristiano Ronaldo’s quest to play in a record-breaking sixth World Cup started.

The Portuguese’ first international game since Diogo Jota’s passing in a car crash in July, along with his brother Andre Silva, on Saturday marked a heartfelt day.

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Both teams observed a moment of silence before kickoff, and the stadium became quiet.

Ronaldo’s goals helped him reach 140 goals, extending his men’s international scoring record, and demonstrate his unwavering drive to continue to set new standards as a benchmark until his long,storied career ends.

The 40-year-old legend led Portugal to victory at the UEFA Nations League in June while recently signing a new deal with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.

Before the match, the players and officials [Hayk Baghdasaryan/Reuters] hold a minute of silence in remembrance of Portugal’s Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

He is unable to bring home any significant trophy, leaving Lionel Messi, 38, who won the sport’s biggest prize with Argentina in 2022.

When the tournament is held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Ronaldo’s best chance is probably to win it next year. Messi and he would both be competing in their sixth World Cup, setting them apart from any other players who had already appeared in five.

Ronaldo, a five-time champion of the Champions League and a member of his nation, also won the European Championship with his country in each half of Group F at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium.

After just ten minutes, Joao Felix added two goals, including the opening goal. Portugal followed with a cruise.

The third goal was scored by Joao Cancelo for his team. In honor of Jota’s signature celebration, he marked the first-half strike by raising both hands to the sky in memory.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez stated later, “I previously mentioned that the preparation was good as was the players’ behavior and the work they put in over the past few days.” We must now recover quickly. The challenge will be in the Tuesday match between Hungary and the United States.

Ronaldo scored in the 21st minute, Martinez added his thoughts, using Jota’s jersey number, which he bothwore for club and country. Our Diogo sent the “score in the 21st minute” he claimed.

Portugal's Joao Cancelo celebrates scoring their third goal — Joao Cancelo, who scored Portugal’s third goal, points up and looks to the sky [Hayk Baghdasaryan/Reuters]

England defeated Andorra to keep its winning streak alive.

With a 2-0 victory over Andorra at Villa Park, England maintained its 100 percent record for qualifying.

With four straight wins following Christian Garcia’s own goal and Declan Rice’s header, Thomas Tuchel’s team is now in Group K.

Ronaldo continued to gild his record, but Harry Kane was frustrated as Tuchel and England failed to persuade him once more.

One British newspaper called England’s “worst ever” after winning 1-0 against Andorra in June. Before the season’s conclusion, Senegal suffered a 3-1 home loss in a friendly before the season was over.

England struggled against the 174th-ranked Andorrans despite the fact that Tuchel made ten changes to his squad.

In the 25th minute, Garcia unintentionally glanced Noni Madueke’s inswinging cross into his own net to start the scoring.

After the break, England had more chances, and Andorra goalkeeper Iker Alvarez saved Eberechi Eze and Elliott Anderson with two excellent saves from close range.

Reece James’ cross sent Rice in from the far post in the 67th.

England’s all-time top scorer, Kane, was unable to improve. When he lacked a chance to connect with James’ opening cross with an open net to the right, his best chance came when he lacked a chance to make it.