Cristiano Ronaldo scored for the third straight game in the Nations League as Portugal won 3-1 against Poland on Saturday, keeping their perfect record.
Portugal led 2-0 at halftime in Warsaw, thanks to goals from Bernardo Silva and Ronaldo.
Piotr Zielinski got one goal back for Poland late in the game, but an own goal from Jan Bednarek sealed the win for Portugal.
“We worked hard in the days before the match, preparing different plans, and we showed that on the field,” said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez. “I am very happy because we controlled the game.”
Portugal scored first in the 26th minute. Ruben Neves sent a high ball into the box, where Bruno Fernandes brought it down for Silva, who scored with a volley on his 96th cap.
Portugal kept attacking and got a second goal ten minutes later. Rafael Leao ran into the box and hit a powerful shot that hit the post. Ronaldo was quick to react and scored from the rebound, bringing his total to 133 international goals.
This was also the 39-year-old’s third goal in three Nations League games this season, after scoring in wins over Croatia and Scotland.
With Portugal in control, Martinez substituted Ronaldo and Leao just after the hour mark, bringing on Diogo Jota and Francisco Trincao.
Poland made it tense when Zielinski scored in the 78th minute. He played a quick pass with substitute Kacper Urbanski and then placed the ball past Portugal’s goalkeeper, Diogo Silva.
But Portugal quickly regained their two-goal lead when Bednarek accidentally scored an own goal in the 88th minute after Nuno Mendes sent in a cross.
“We played against one of the best teams in the world, full of great players,” said Zielinski. “But we let them control the game, especially in the first half.”
Ronaldo also thanked his fans on social media, sharing a photo of the team celebrating their win. He wrote, “Important victory in the Nations League. Thanks for everyone’s support, let’s go for it!”
Portugal will face Scotland in Glasgow on Tuesday, aiming for their fourth win in the tournament, while Poland will host Croatia.