Portugal emphatically bounced back from their Ireland defeat, dismantling Armenia 9-1 with hat-tricks from Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Neves, alongside goals from Renato Veiga, Goncalo Ramos, and Francisco Conceicao.
According to a report from Goal, Portugal delivered a dominant display against Armenia, buoyed by match-winning performances in midfield and attack — even in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The outlet rated Joao Neves at a perfect 10/10, noting he “rifled in a terrific strike from 18 yards out … and then backed that up … from a sumptuous free kick … for one of the best hat-tricks you are likely to see.”
Bruno Fernandes, meanwhile, earned a 9/10 for an influential evening: “Fired in a dangerous free-kick that directly led to Portugal’s early opener … then took his penalty … and executed a first-time finish with aplomb.”
Vitinha was given 8/10 for his calm control in midfield, “dancing past would-be tacklers” and keeping possession under pressure.
In the attack, Gonçalo Ramos was rated 8/10. According to Goal, he “showed good anticipation … to make it 2-1 with his interception goal” and also “neatly assisted Fernandes as Portugal ran riot.”
By contrast, Bernardo Silva was rated 6/10; while he linked up well with his teammates, the report observed that “he left others to rip apart their overpowered opponents.”
The match, a World Cup qualifier, saw Portugal assert control throughout, and Goal’s player ratings highlight how a balanced midfield and clinical finishing made light work of their opposition — even without leaning heavily on Ronaldo.