Roberto Martinez’s men continued their 100% record of sheer romance and win as they romped to a 5-2 win over Sweden on Thursday evening.
Goals galore from Rafael Leao, Matheus Nunes, Bruno Fernandes, Bruma and Goncalo Ramos completed the victory over their Swedish counterparts.
Portugal, which was without some of its stars and the most prominent figure and leader in the team, Cristiano, showed no signs of missing their talisman as they produced a brilliant display on the night.
The Al Nassr skipper was not part of the match day squad following a fitness issue. However, the job was still done anyways as Martinez men recorded another win convincingly.
Roberto Martinez recalled veteran Rui Patricio in between the sticks with Nelson Semedo and the 41 year old Porto skipper Pepe partnering along side Manchester City centre back Ruben Diaz in the heart of defense.
Fulham’s João Palhinha, Nunes, and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes formed a trio in midfield as Bernardo Silva, Ramos, and Ac Milan’s Rafa Leo led the attack.
The home side drew the first blood in the 26th minute when Rafael Leao pounced on a lose ball in the swedish area before unleashing an unstoppable shot in the back of the net.
Nine minutes later, Portugal doubled its lead when Matheus Nunes received a wonderful pass from the impressive B. Silva.
Just before the brink of halftime, Martinez’s men weren’t done yet as they capped off a brilliant first-half display to make it 3-0 via Bruno Fernandes’s strike, who was left unmarked in the six-yard area.
The second half resumed with the Portuguese kicking it where they left off. Roberto Martinez made three changes, with Antonio Silva, Totti Gomes, and Bruma coming on to get some minutes.
The impressive Bruma, who came on as a substitute, soon added the fourth to put matters to bed to add a fourth.
However, the Swedes never left without a fight. Sporting Lisbon star forward Viktor Gyokeres pulled one back for his side. The forward has barely gone a full 90 minutes without recording a goal, and so it continued on that night with a well-taken goal.
Ramos wrapped things up with a fifth goal as Portugal began to slow things down afterward.
Another consolation was added for the visitors as Nilsson made it 5-2.
Portugal continue their Euro preparation friendlies when they make the trip to Slovenia on Tuesday 26th March.
Akinnifesi Olumide
