Portugal's World Cup Dream Begins with a 9-1 Thrashing: Ronaldo Sidelined, Victory Secures 2026 Spot
16 November 2025
Overview
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez says his side delivered an almost perfect performance against Armenia, expressing joy after securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
In Lisbon on Sunday, Portugal routed Armenia 9-1 in the final round of European qualifiers, sealing direct qualification to the World Cup.
Portugal finished on 13 points from six games, with four wins, one draw, and one defeat.
Post-match reflections
Martinez told the press that focus was the key and that every player, including those from the bench, showed responsibility with and without the ball.
He added that after the third and fourth goals it was important to stay united and keep pushing; the team created nine goals and more chances, and the fans deserved recognition for their support.
Now the dream of the World Cup becomes more tangible; he noted the players’ reaction after the Ireland defeat and said they are more prepared than when they won all ten Euro qualifiers. He also paid tribute to Osvaldo.
The coach remarked that the qualification phase was strange—six matches with no need for a calculator; now it is time to prepare for the World Cup.
Regarding Ronaldo's absence due to suspension from the Ireland match, Martinez stated, "We are better with Ronaldo, Mendes and Neto; football is a game of mistakes and resilience."
He added that when players aren’t available, the squad must adapt, emphasizing the importance of collective belief that they can win with alternative selections.
Ronaldo’s red card against Ireland had ruled him out of the Armenia match, but Martinez’s lineup without him still delivered an emphatic win.
Match highlights
Portugal sealed their direct path to the 2026 World Cup with a home win over Armenia. The goals came from multiple players, with a rapid opening, a flurry of late goals, and a commanding second-half performance that left Armenia overwhelmed.
Armenia’s lone reply came early in the game, but Portugal answered swiftly and then dominated the proceedings, finishing the match with a nine-goal tally to top the group with 13 points.
Portugal started without Ronaldo, naming a lineup that featured D. Costa, Semedo, Dias, and a host of attackers who kept pressing throughout the match. Armenia fielded their best available XI as well.
Early momentum
From the outset, Portugal pressed high, forcing a sequence of chances and opening the scoring with a precise set-piece finish. The hosts continued to press and extend their advantage during the first half.
In the second half, Portugal maintained the pressure, adding more goals and keeping the ball on Armenia’s side of the pitch for extended spells. The rout culminated in a ninth goal late in the game as Portugal celebrated a memorable qualifier win.
As the final whistle blew, celebrations swept through the Lisbon stands, and Portugal secured their place at the 2026 World Cup. Punchlines coming up in 3, 2, 1…
Punchline 1: If Ronaldo returns, will the trophy come with a cape and a dramatic entrance? The team already looks superhero-level without him.
Punchline 2: Portugal didn’t need a calculator for six matches—just a good coach, brave players, and a whole lot of coffee. Looks like the sums finally add up.
