João Neves and Bruno Fernandes both scored hat-tricks as Portugal cruised to a huge 9-1 win over Armenia, securing top spot in their qualification group and booking a place at a seventh straight FIFA World Cup.
Portugal came into the match after a shock 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland, their first loss of the campaign, but Roberto Martínez’s side wasted no time getting back on track. René Veiga put the hosts ahead inside seven minutes, following up a saved free-kick from Fernandes to head in from close range.
Armenia stunned the crowd moments later, though, when Grant-Leon Ranos powered forward and set up Eduard Spertsyan to bundle in an equaliser with the visitors’ first real attack.
With Cristiano Ronaldo suspended, Gonçalo Ramos stepped up. He pounced on a poor backpass from Artur Serobyan, rounded goalkeeper Henri Avagyan, and tapped in his 10th Portugal goal. Moments later, a high press created another chance finished calmly by Neves from the edge of the box.
Neves then delivered the goal of the game, a stunning long-range free-kick that crashed in off the crossbar. Portugal kept pushing before half-time, and Fernandes made it 5-1 from the penalty spot after Karen Muradyan brought down Rúben Dias.
Portugal’s dominance continued after the break. Fernandes swept in another early in the second half, then completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after debutant Carlos Forbs was fouled, with Muradyan once again the guilty party.
Neves soon joined him on three goals, guiding in his hat-trick strike nine minutes later. Late substitute Francisco Conceição rounded off the scoring in stoppage time, matching Portugal’s record for goals in a single match.
The win keeps Portugal unbeaten in eight meetings with Armenia and extends their run of eight home games without defeat. Martínez can now turn his attention to next summer’s World Cup , where Portugal will start without Ronaldo, who was sent off in the defeat to Ireland.
