Ronaldo at double as Portugal reach Nations League quarters; Spain won

Portugal secures top spot in Group A1, Ronaldo scores twice; Spain beats Denmark in Nations League action.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal thrashed Poland 5-1 thanks to a rampant second-half display on Friday (November 15, 2024) to reach the Nations League quarter-finals, while already-qualified Spain beat Denmark.

Roberto Martinez's Portugal wrapped up the top spot in Group A1 with a game to spare, securing their place in the next round in March.

France, Germany, and Italy are also already through to the last eight.

Poland were the better side early on but failed to take their chances in Porto, and the home side made them pay, netting four times in the last 20 minutes.

“We couldn’t impose ourselves on the game in the first half,” said Portugal goalscorer Rafael Leao.

“(Coach) Roberto Martínez’s approach in the locker room was important; it was the key to changing the pressure at halftime.” Ronaldo volleyed over from close range shortly before the interval, as Portugal failed to register a shot on target in the first half.

Dominik Marczuk almost broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, but Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa produced a brilliant fingertip save to deny him.