Portugal’s excellent 2019 continued yesterday with an impressive 4-2 away victory over Serbia in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying. The future looks incredibly bright for the defending European champion with Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Gonçalo Guedes, Nélson Semedo, João Félix and João Cancelo (all 25 or under) all playing their part.
But the main story, as always, was 34-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored what would prove to be the match-winner in the 80th minute. It was Ronaldo’s 159th international appearance and his 89th goal.
Cristiano Ronaldo has his goal at last pic.twitter.com/iuzKYISvxS
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 7, 2019
The man’s influence will never end; it extends over all, including the children of his opponents. After the game, Serbia and Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matić was spotted outside the Portugal locker room with his two sons. Despite a defeat that seriously harmed Serbia’s chances of qualifying for Euro 2020, Matić put fatherhood above all else and Ronaldo was more than willing to say hello and pause for a photograph (which was taken by Matić).
Nemanja Matić waited with his son and his son’s friend after Serbia’s defeat to Portugal so they could meet Cristiano Ronaldo (@Mondo_Sport) pic.twitter.com/UC3rnEc78A
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 8, 2019
Group B play continues on Tuesday with Portugal hosting Luxembourg in Lisbon. Group leader Ukraine hosts Lithuania in Kharkiv.