Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal to a 5-0 victory over Armenia, while England beat Andorra 2-0 to remain unbeaten in World Cup qualifying on Saturday.
Portugal played their first game since the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car crash. A minute’s silence was observed before kickoff in Yerevan.
Ronaldo scored twice, including a stunning long-range strike, taking his international tally to 140 goals. Joao Felix also netted twice, and Joao Cancelo added one, dedicating his goal to Jota.
Defender Nuno Tavares said Ronaldo’s first goal in the 21st minute symbolized Jota’s presence, as he wore the No. 21 jersey for Portugal. Ronaldo later posted that this marked the “first step” toward his sixth World Cup.
In Group K, England defeated Andorra 2-0 at Villa Park. Christian Garcia’s own goal and Declan Rice’s header secured their fourth straight win. Despite the result, manager Thomas Tuchel faced criticism for another lackluster display.
Tuchel blamed the subdued atmosphere for the slow performance, saying the crowd was different from a Premier League audience. He admitted the team lost focus after the first goal but improved in the second half and could have scored more.
The German coach called for a stronger showing ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Serbia, who remain second after a 1-0 win in Latvia.
Twelve group winners will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, while playoffs will decide four more spots.
