2018 World Cup Qualifier
Result: Portugal 4-1 Latvia
Date: 13 November 2016
Venue: Estádio Do Algarve
Cristiano Ronaldo bagged a brace and missed a penalty, as Portugal claimed a 4-1 win over Latvia in their 2018 World Cup qualifier.
Portugal looked lively in the early stages but it was Latvia who carved out the first real opening, as Jagondinskis forced Rui Patricio into a fine save with a close range header.
The European Champions were eventually awarded a penalty after 28 minutes when Luis Nani was brought down in the box. Ronaldo stepped up and converted from the spot, 1-0.
Ronaldo and Nani were Selecao's biggest threat on the pitch, but clear cut chances were hard to come by for the home side.
Nonetheless, the score remained 1-0 to home side as the sides entered the halftime break.
Portugal were awarded a second penalty on the hour mark when Andre Gomes was fouled in the box. However, Ronaldo took the spot-kick and struck the upright.
Latvia then leveled matters eight minutes later, as Artus Zjuzins smashed home from close range, after some neat play in the box.
However, Portugal restored their lead a minute later, as William Carvalho glanced home a header from Ricardo Quaresma's cross.
Ronaldo bagged his second goal in the 85th minute with a fine volley into the bottom corner, after getting on the end of Quaresma's cross, 3-1.
Bruno Alves then rounded off the scoring in stoppage time, as the defender rose above his marker to head home Raphael Guerreiro's corner, 4-1.
