FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2022: Ronaldo scores hat-trick as Portugal thrash Luxembourg 5-0

Cristiano Ronaldo after completing his hat-trick against Luxembourg in FIFA 2022 World Cup Qualifiers at home on Tuesday. Image Source: Twitter

Xtra Time Web Desk: Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Portugal thrashed Luxembourg 5-0 in FIFA 2022 World Cup Qualifiers at Estadio Algarve on Tuesday night. It was Ronaldo’s 58th career hat-trick. The other two goals were scored by Bruno Fernandes and Joao Palhinha. The win sees Portugal one point clear of group leader Serbia who beat Azerbaijan 3-1 at home.

Ronaldo converted two penalties inside the first 13 minutes. Bernardo Silva was fouled to prompt the first penalty in the eighth minute, while Ronaldo himself was brought down inside the area before converting the second penalty five minutes later.

Bruno Fernandes extended the lead in 18th minute after being set up by Bernardo Silva. Palhinha scored the fourth in the 69th, moments after Ronaldo came close with a bicycle kick that was saved by Luxembourg goalkeeper Anthony Moris.

Ronaldo completed his hat trick in the 87th minute to seal the fate of the match. It was his 115th international goal.