Portugal crush Armenia with stunning 9–1 win
The final round of the UEFA World Cup qualifiers delivered high drama in Group F, where Portugal, Hungary and Ireland all had chances to qualify directly. Portugal held the clearest path—win against Armenia and they were through. What followed was a 9–1 demolition, a performance that thrilled fans on 12BET Malaysia and shook up the team’s hierarchy, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo’s starting spot in doubt.
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Ronaldo suspended as Ramos leads record victory
With Ronaldo suspended due to last match’s red card, coach Roberto Martínez started Gonçalo Ramos as the lone striker.
After only seven minutes, Bruno Fernandes’ free kick was saved but centre back Veiga headed in the rebound for a dream start. Armenia briefly equalised, but Portugal quickly exploded.
Ramos punished a defensive error, João Neves scored a long range rocket, followed by a brilliant free kick. A Bruno Fernandes penalty made it 5–1 at halftime. Fans watching via 12BET Malaysia knew qualification was already secured.
Hat tricks from Neves and Bruno seal historic night
Portugal kept attacking relentlessly in the second half. Bruno Fernandes scored twice more, João Neves completed his own hat trick, and young star Francisco Conceição came off the bench to score.
The 9–1 victory sent Portugal confidently into the World Cup in North America. Bettors on 12BET Malaysia celebrated a result that showcased Portugal’s incredible squad depth.
Portugal’s World Cup squad nearly decided
With qualification secured, Martínez will now finalise his 26 man World Cup squad. Based on current selections and his usual preferences:
Forwards: Ronaldo, Leão, Ramos, Félix, Conceição — all near guaranteed
Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha, João Neves, Palhinha, Rúben Neves — extremely secure choices
Full backs: Nuno Mendes, Cancelo, Dalot, Semedo — strong candidates
Centre backs: Rúben Dias, Inácio, Veiga, António Silva
Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva — almost locked in
This means at least 21 of the 26 spots are already effectively decided, a discussion widely followed on 12BET Malaysia.
Ronaldo’s status threatened by Portugal’s new generation
Since Cristiano Ronaldo debuted, Portugal transformed completely—winning one European Championship, finishing runner up once, winning two Nations League titles, and reaching a World Cup semifinal. Under Ronaldo, Portugal never missed a major tournament.
But at age 40, his guaranteed starting status is no longer secure. This Ronaldo free Portugal looks explosive, balanced, and overwhelmingly talented. Portugal may be entering a new golden generation—one where Ronaldo might no longer be an automatic starter.
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