Cristiano Ronaldo came off the bench to inspire a 2-0 win for Portugal over a resilient Andorra side that keeps alive their hopes of automatic World Cup qualification.
The hosts put up a strong defensive front, using their physical presence to good effect to keep the visitors’ attack at bay for the most part. However, Cristiano Ronaldo turned the match around after his arrival at half-time, breaking the deadlock after the hour mark before playing a hand in Andre Silva’s goal four minutes from full-time.
The win sets up a tantalising clash with Switzerland in the final round when a win would take Portugal to the World Cup, while the Swiss need just a point to remain atop Group B. The aforementioned prospect was a hot talking point on Twitter after both Portugal and Switzerland won their respective games.
Portugal vs. Switzerland on Tuesday is going to be a bloody good game of football people
— Sam Tighe ? (@stighefootball) October 7, 2017
Switzerland 9/9 wins, Portugal 8/9 wins. Portugal better GD. Any win will do for PT to qualify for Russia directly but ONLY a win will do.
— Tom Kundert (@PortuGoal1) October 7, 2017
Santos: “At the end of this qualification campaign Portugal will have 9 wins, 1 loss and Switzerland will have 9 wins, 1 loss.” #Confidence
— Tom Kundert (@PortuGoal1) October 7, 2017
The last match qualifier btw Portugal and Switzerland is gonna be a real cracker, check their table to understand..
— JAJ ?????? (@Jajdgenius) October 7, 2017
Portugal’s game vs Switzerland in Lisbon on Tuesday will be a pure group final. A win, regardless of score, will see Portugal top group B. pic.twitter.com/FrlzBDRzeP
— Jan Hagen (@PortuBall) October 7, 2017
?? 0-2 ??@Cristiano Ronaldo ⚽️
André Silva ⚽️
Portugal must beat Switzerland on last day to win group… What a game that will be ? pic.twitter.com/dLkD58HbEj— European Qualifiers (@EuroQualifiers) October 7, 2017
Portugal vs Switzerland to decide it all. The match I´ve been waiting for since PT lost in Switzerland in 2016. This is it. #ForçaPortugal
— JP (@Emperor_RM) October 7, 2017
Switzerland ?? has 27 points from 9 matches in qualifying and still has not qualified for Russia. Must do so at Portugal on Tuesday.
— We Global Football (@We_Global) October 7, 2017
?? Portugal – Switzerland ?? is gonna be the game to watch Tuesday. Winner books the flight ??, loser goes to playoffs. Death match
— Rodrigo Palomo (@tpalomo7) October 7, 2017
But, Cristiano Ronaldo was the super sub who inspired the showdown clash on Tuesday, and he was hailed for another match winning display.
46′: Cristiano Ronaldo substituted on. ➡️
63′: Cristiano Ronaldo scores. ⚽️When in need… ?? pic.twitter.com/QAAES9SVBU
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) October 7, 2017
No Ronaldo & Portugal can’t score against ‘farmers’ Andorra who have conceded 17 goals so far. If he comes on & scores, it’s “just Andorra”.
— Gallião Pequeno (@Cerebrone) October 7, 2017
Cristiano Ronaldo when you need him most always steps up. Just scored a massive goal against Andorra!
— Öliver. (@UtdOliver) October 7, 2017
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more goals in qualifying than 37 of the European teams in World Cup qualifying.
Not bad. pic.twitter.com/Eqzt0X48nw
— bet365 (@bet365) October 7, 2017
Messi 0/10 v Peru in yet another disasterclass for Argentina meanwhile Ronaldo’s breaking the deadlock like a true national hero #MyGOAT
— adam (@FutboiAdam) October 7, 2017
BREAKING: Portugal have officially renamed their country to Republic of Cristiano Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/cLoGEyutzk
— Malini (@ReyesDeIMundo) October 7, 2017
Whatever the question is. The answer is always Ronaldo
— Hipster Barça Fan (@HipsterBarca) October 7, 2017
Cometh the hour, cometh the man.@Cristiano always delivers for @selecaoportugal! ??⚽#ronaldo #TudoPorPortugal pic.twitter.com/8UEYhzZG7I
— Dugout (@Dugout) October 7, 2017
Cristiano Ronaldo scores for Portugal when they needed him the most, a true leader! ❤
— OMAR ? (@Omar__cr7_) October 7, 2017
Only two players in history have scored 15 goals in a single European qualifying campaign.
Cristiano Ronaldo ??
Robert Lewandowski ?? pic.twitter.com/ot7qG2XEwb— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 7, 2017
Portugal without Ronaldo is like a heart without a beat
— . (@IconicCristiano) October 7, 2017
