Image courtesy: MARCA
Portugal cruised to a 4-0 win over Israel at home on Wednesday, as the holders warmed up for the European Championship with a strong performance. Bruno Fernandes scored twice and Joao Cancelo dazzled.
At an empty Jose Alvalade Stadium, Portugal appeared to be in complete control. It was only a matter of time before they took the lead in the 42nd minute when Cancelo found Fernandes on the right side, who tapped low into the net with one touch.
Two minutes later, the Manchester United midfielder provided Portugal’s second goal by feeding Cristiano Ronaldo. He went for power over placement while shooting, his strike proving too much for Israel goalkeeper Ofir Marciano. It was Ronaldo’s 104th goal for Portugal, bringing him within five goals of Ali Daei’s record of being the all-time leading scorer in international football.
In the second half, Portugal continued to command the pace and should have extended their lead when Bernardo Silva faced Marciano inside the box. But he was unable to beat the keeper, who made himself huge and clawed his effort away. Fernando Santos’ team scored again in the 86th minute, due to a brilliant-cut inside from the right flank by Cancelo. He curled the ball into the far corner with his left foot.
In additional time, Fernandes finished an assured individual effort with an excellent solo goal of his own. He fired a drive from outside the box into the top corner.
On June 15, the defending champions will face Hungary in Budapest in Group F. The group also includes Germany and France, the 2014 and 2018 World Cup winners, respectively.