Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence proved inconsequential as Roberto Martinez’s Portugal swept aside Sweden 5-2 in an impressive pre-European Championship friendly victory in Guimaraes.
Rafael Leao, Matheus Nunes and Bruno Fernandes struck in a dominant first-half performance before Bruma and Goncalo Ramos extended the rampant hosts’ lead after the break.
The convincing win underlined why Portugal are among the favourites for Euro 2024. Despite resting 39-year-old talisman Ronaldo, they were too strong for a woeful Sweden side playing their first match under new coach Jon Dahl Tomasson. AC Milan’s Leao smashed the opener before Manchester City’s Nunes and Manchester United’s Fernandes netted classy goals.
Sweden pulled goals back through Viktor Gyokeres and Gustav Nilsson but were utterly outclassed. Portugal’s devastating counter-attacking play was embodied by their fourth goal – Fernandes setting up Bruma to roll home. In-form Benfica striker Ramos added the fifth as the Euro 2016 winners sent an ominous warning to their rivals.
Portugal were without their all-time top scorer Ronaldo but had no issues breaching Sweden’s porous defence repeatedly. The performance bodes well ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Slovenia as Martinez prepares his side for this summer’s European Championship Finals.
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