View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Soccer Laduma (@soccer_laduma)

Login

UEFA Nations League: Diogo Jota Shines In Cristiano Ronaldo's Absence For Portugal

UEFA Nations League: Diogo Jota Shines In Cristiano Ronaldo's Absence For Portugal

Portugal cruised to victory in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo after defeating Sweden 3-0 on Wednesday evening.

The European champions were without the services of Ronaldo, who had tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday.

Ronaldo's absence did not have a major impact as Selecao opened the scoring on 21 minutes through Manchester City Bernardo Silva, with Diogo Jota playing the final pass.

Jota registered a goal to go with his assist just before the halftime break to extend Portugal's advantage to 2-0.

The Reds star managed to complete his brace in the 72nd minute to make it 3-0 and send the defending champions to of Group 3 in League A.

France got back to winning ways in Group 3 with a 2-1 triumph over Croatia on Wednesday night.

Olivier Giroud and Paul Pogba were only named on the bench as Anthony Martial and Steven Nzonzi got starts for the 2018 World  Cup winners.

Antoine Griezmann got the hosts off to the perfect start after opening the scoring in the eighth minute.

The hosts had to wait until the 64th minute to restore parity after Nikola Vlasic fired past Hugo Lloris for the equaliser.

However, it was the world champions who had the final say as Kylian Mbappe found the winning goal in the 79th minute to send his second.

Related tags

Comments

Top 5

Sundowns To Release Former Chiefs Target?

Apr 30, 2025 02:43 PM in Mamelodi-Sundowns

Pyramids’ 'Special' Request Approved Ahead Of Final

Apr 29, 2025 11:05 AM in African Football

Ekstein Celebrates Growing Family

Apr 30, 2025 11:18 AM in Fan Park

Chiefs To Fine Players For Losing?

Apr 30, 2025 12:39 PM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Chiefs' Aim To Sign A Creative Midfielder

May 02, 2025 02:51 PM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Contract Update: How Pirates Will Adjust GK Selections

May 02, 2025 12:53 PM in Orlando-Pirates

Matlou: Chiefs Competing For Top 8 Instead Of The League

May 02, 2025 12:31 PM in Kaizer-Chiefs

Exiled Wydad Star 'Returns' After Mokwena Exit

May 01, 2025 03:28 PM in African Football

Lorch's Unique Dining Experience

May 02, 2025 01:48 PM in Fan Park