Ronaldo was unlucky in Portugal's victory

*Score: Bruno Fernandes 43'.

At Tehelné pole, Bratislava on the evening of September 8, Ronaldo played the entire match. He twice won the ball contest phase but did not succeed once. The Portuguese captain shot six times - the most of any player on both sides competing, including three shots towards the goal and three shots off target, but failed to score.

Ronaldo's best chance came in the 76th minute, after a favorable pass from Bruno Fernandes, but a tight shot in a tight corner failed to beat goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. About 15 minutes earlier, Ronaldo had to receive a yellow card after a strong collision with Dubravka himself. This is the 38-year-old striker's third yellow card in the first five matches of Euro 2024 qualifying, causing him to miss the next game against Luxembourg on September 11.

Portugal ranks 9th in the world, while Slovakia's position is 47th. But the situation on the field is not too different. The away team controlled the ball 57% and finished 12 times, compared to 10 for the home team. In the 17th minute, Portugal shot in the right direction for the first time. But Fernandes' shot was easily blocked by goalkeeper Dubravka.

Slovakia attacks little, but can still cause difficulties for Portugal. The home team pressed high, causing the opponent to constantly lose the ball. Outside the field, coach Roberto Martinez stood with his arms crossed and looked tense. In the 42nd minute, Slovakia even almost opened the score. Lukas Haraslin had enough space and time to correct the ball, but missed the Portuguese goal.

Immediately after this missed goal by the host, Portugal suddenly opened the score. From Bernardo Silva's pass, Fernandes penetrated the right side of the penalty area and then shot diagonally, out of Dubravka's reach. The Man Utd midfielder scored on his 29th birthday.

After the goal, Slovakia attacked stronger. The home team repeatedly threatened the penalty area and pushed Portugal into a defensive position. In the last 30 minutes, the match became open. Slovakia pushed forward to attack in search of an equalizer. Meanwhile, Portugal also tried to get on the ball to widen the gap, but was unsuccessful.

In the offset time, Slovakia created many fixed situations towards the Portuguese goal. However, the away team successfully defended the victory 1-0. With the fifth victory in a row, Ronaldo and his teammates continue to lead Group J with 15 absolute points. Meanwhile, Slovakia is second with 10 points. Luxembourg also has 10 points, but ranks third due to poor difference.

Bosnia ranked fourth with six points, while Iceland only had three points and ranked fifth. Bottom team Liechtenstein has no points yet. Each Euro qualifying group takes the top two teams to compete in the final round in Germany next year.