Portugal may not be one of the favourites leading up to Euro 2016, which starts on Friday in France, but Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. tried their best to make everyone aware of their presence with a 7-0 rout of Estonia in a friendly on Wednesday. True, Estonia is ranked a low 93rd in the Fifa rankings, but that would not bother the eighth-placed Portugal as they ended their final warm-up game ahead of the tournament on a high note.
The win was inspired by two goals each from captain Cristiano Ronaldo and winger Ricardo Quaresma. Ronaldo would have been particularly happy with the performance, as he had not played in any of Portugal's warm-up games and friendlies after the Champions League final. The 31-year-old had gone through a thigh injury scare ahead of the big game and was rested by the national team since.
Portugal manager Fernando Santos substituted Ronaldo at half-time, but it made no difference as the team went on to score three goals in second half. Estonia conceded an own goal to add to their misery. Portugal find themselves in a relatively easy group in Euro 2016, with Iceland, Austria and Hungary for company. It would be a huge shock if they fail to qualify, especially after Wednesday's performance.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!