2 March 2006, by Tom Kundert

Inspirational Ronaldo fires Portugal to comfortable win

Portugal 3-0 Saudi Arabia

In a predictably low-paced friendly international, Portugal beat fellow World Cup qualifiers Saudi Arabia 3-0 in Düsseldorf last night.

Cristiano Ronaldo brought his terrific club form onto the international stage, confirming his status as Portugal’s key player with another outstanding display.

Making little of the terrible state of the pitch, the Manchester United winger scored two excellent goals, had a hand in the other and constantly cut through the Saudi rearguard with his strong running and trickery.

Portugal were in the ascendancy from the off, but it was obvious Scolari’s men were playing well within themselves at a crucial stage of the season for their club sides. Both wings were functioning well, with Miguel looking in fine form.

After half an hour Ronaldo expertly headed in a Figo corner to the delight of the sizeable contingent of Portuguese emigrants in the impressive LTU Arena. On the stroke of half time Maniche doubled the lead, following up after goalkeeper Deayea had done well to keep out Ronaldo’s sharp volley.

Scolari brought on Hugo Viana and Ricardo Quaresma for the second half, giving the duo perhaps their last chance to book their place in the World Cup squad.

Valencia midfielder Viana settled the better, and it was from his inch perfect through-ball that Ronaldo completed the scoring, firing in a left-foot cross shot.

Scolari said he was satisfied with the workout and now has the squad “practically defined”, although the Brazilian pointed out that plans could change should any injuries occur between now and the end of the season.


Portugal:
Ricardo, Miguel (Paulo Ferreira, 73), Fernando Meira, Jorge Andrade, Nuno Valente (Marco Caneira, 64), Costinha, Maniche (Petit, 46), Deco (Hugo Viana, 46), Luís Figo (Ricardo Quaresma, 46), Pauleta (Hélder Postiga, 46), Cristiano Ronaldo

Saudi Arabia:
Deayea, Takar, Montashiry, Haidar (Al Qahtani, 60), Kathran, Khariri (Abdullatif, 67), Al Mowallad, Al Shalhoub (Al Temyat, 62), Aziz, Aljaber (Al Suwailh, 73), Noor (Alharthi, 86)

Goals:
[1-0] Ronaldo, 30
[2-0] Maniche, 45
[3-0] Ronaldo, 84