By Darwin Largo
The Portugal national team can now rest and relax. This Friday they fulfilled their goal and secured their place at Euro 2024 to be played next summer in Germany. This is because they beat Slovakia 3-2 at the Do Dragao Stadium and no one will be able to stop them from qualifying.
Things started well for Roberto Martinez's team, as 18 minutes into the first half Goncalo Ramos scored the opener. Then the Cristiano Ronaldo show began. The Al-Nassr striker took charge of kicking a penalty after a foul inside the box. In the 28th minute he shot softly to the left of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who chose the opposite side.
And the show continued after the break. After 27 minutes of the second half, Joao Cancelo gave a pass to Bruno Fernandes. The Manchester United midfielder, from the right side of the attack, sent a drilled cross that CR7 connected inside the box and only had to push the ball to beat again the resistance of goalkeeper Dubravka. That third goal gave the Portuguese peace of mind, as moments earlier Slovakia had scored through David Hancko.
However, 10 minutes from the end Stanislav Lobotka netted again for the visitors with a great shot from outside the box. This gave hope to Francesco Calzona's team, who in the end tried their best to score the equaliser, but failed to do so.
With a 3-2 win against Slovakia, Portugal qualified for Euro 2024. Now in group J there is only one slot left for the tournament to be played in Germany next summer. Slovakia for now occupy that place with 13 points, but Luxembourg are very close with 11. Next Monday they will face each other at the Stade de Luxembourg.
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